Leopards finally broke their BBL Championship duck at the fourth attempt, erasing Edinburgh Rocks perfect home record in brutal fashion as the Scots slipped to a 62-78 loss in as ugly a contest as you might see all season.

"It's a big win for us," stated relieved Leopards coach Chris Pullem, and although his side got off the mark, the Essex side must still be concerned about the continuing offensive struggles of Jason Kimbrough and Ravonte Dantzler who could not buy a basket for long spells.

Fortunately, neither could Edinburgh. Out-worked in every aspect, the hosts could not recapture the heights of their recent fine run with coach Kevin Wall disappointed at the ease of Leopards' triumph.

"We were awful," admitted Wall. "We knew their pressure was going to bother us but we made
no progress in running our offense. We just made it really difficult for ourselves."

Leading briefly only twice, Edinburgh never truly clicked offensively until long after the result was beyond doubt. Leopards were not much superior but they took advantage of the Rocks scoring struggles to surge clear with a 14-2 second quarter burst, building a cushion which peaked at 21 points in the third period as Wall's men racked up only two baskets in a woeful seven minute spell.

With Leopards muscular duo of Rico Alderson - who collected a game-best 21 points - and Mo
Robinson dominant, Edinburgh could not repeat the huge comeback they achieved last week
against London Towers with only a late flourish saving their blushes. 

Ted Berry led Edinburgh with 20.

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