Damon Cooper's half-century of points proved decisive as Southend Scorpions A moved skilfully through their English Basketball Association National Founders Cup first round clash.

They took on Notre Dame, from Norwich, in the first round and pulled off an 83-75 triumph.

Scorpions are enjoying their best ever Mid-Essex League season under new coach Paul Whitcomb.

The return of Cooper and Lee Higgins from university has proved a telling factor. Cooper has brought valued experience from playing in the National League with Thames Valley Tigers.

Scorpions always knew they were in for a tough time but took an early lead and stayed ahead for the whole game - even though at times it was only be a few points.

Scorpions used Cooper to the best of their abilities by executing calculated offences to get him free for shots.

What made it tough for the Southend outfit was the fact that their tallest player stood at 6ft 4ins while Notre Dame had two of 6ft 6ins and one of 6ft 9ins.

In the points stakes, Cooper was backed by Lee Sutton and Steve Morales on eight apiece.

This victory takes Scorpions to Southall on February 7 to take on Phoenicians in the quarter-finals. If they succeed, they will be involved in a two-legged semi-final later that month.

Slam dunk - Southend Scorpions pile on the points in their National Founders Cup win over Norwich outfit Notre Dame

Picture: STEPHEN LLOYD

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