Basketball: England look to ride luck against Spain

The England coach, Laszlo Nemeth, compares tonight's European Championship clash with Spain at the Plymouth Pavilions to a trip to the casino.

"We have so little time together, every game is a gamble as to how we'll play," he said.

Nevertheless, Nemeth's players are in buoyant mood for the second game in their semi-final round group, even against the former Olympic silver medallists, after winning 72-64 in Denmark on Wednesday.

"Any away win is priceless," said Nemeth. "The Danes are dangerous opponents, especially at home in front of a couple of thousand noisy fans."

Nemeth also emphasised the value of the practice game against Germany 48 hours earlier, in which the former Los Angeles Laker Steve Bucknall earned particular praise for both his assists good defence. "It was an exceptionally intelligent performance. He proved his class," said Nemeth.

Tonight, England can take some comfort from the absence of Barcelona's injured 7ft 2in centre, Roberto Duenas, but Nemeth knows his side still face a far greater test than against Denmark. "Spain are one of the fastest teams in Europe - five times faster than London Leopards."

Budweiser league Leopards will face England in Portsmouth tomorrow, following the late withdrawal by scheduled opponents Croatia from the friendly international.

- Richard Taylor