Oxford Devils had mixed results with a win and a narrow defeat from their weekend National Conference exertions.
On Saturday, a weakened line-up triumphed 93-83 away to Colchester, thanks to a superb display from Phil Alexander.
However, 24 hours later, Devils were pipped 87-85 by second-placed North West London at the White Horse Leisure & Tennis Centre.
Devils made a solid start against Colchester, with Damien Lyons filling in for Keith Kelly, who was delayed by traffic, to finish the first period 26-22 in front.
The second period belonged to Alexander, who opened up the game by scoring 18 points in six minutes to give the visitors a 54-41 lead at half-time.
Colchester came out the more positive side after the break, though, cutting the Devils' lead to two points, before Pemble Bristol began to cause havoc in the home team's defence.
Devils led by four points going into the final period, but Colchester turned up the pressure on a tiring Devils team to close the gap again, before Alexander made crucial big shots to seal a deserved win.
Alexander scored an amazing 48 points, including 11 three-pointers to top the scoring charts.
North West London took an early one-point lead after a tense first period on Sunday, before the Devils hit back in the second.
Alexander and Art Robinson, who returned after foot surgery for his first game of the season, both made some big plays.
This gave the Devils a two-point advantage going into the half-time break.
Devils came out the stronger in the third period and scored ten unanswered points to go 50-40 in front.
The London outfit regrouped to close the gap to two points.
In a see-saw final session, Devils kept in touch, but just failed to take the win.
Alexander was again the pick of the marksmen with 23 points, followed by Bristol and Robinson both with 15, and Kelly and Armstrong with 14 apiece.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article