Panthers look to finish on a high

Birmingham Panthers have seven games left to avoid finishing bottom of the British Basketball League.

Their first year in the BBL has seen them muster only five wins in 26 games, a record they will try to improve this Saturday against Plymouth Raiders.

"Rob Paternostro's back injury means he won't play, and Williamz Omope is also struggling with a bad back," said Panthers coach Nigel Lloyd.

The injury list includes Lataryl Williams (hand) and Lekan Popoola.

And that could leave Lloyd with a team that is under sized as well as under strength.

"They are really well coached," said Lloyd. "And their big guys have killed us."

Saturday night's tip-off against second-placed Plymouth is 1900 GMT at the University of Walsall Sports Centre.