Oxford Devils threw away a five-point half-time lead as they lost 82-78 to close rivals Kingston Wildcats in their National Basketball Conference clash at the Vale of White Horse Tennis & Leisure Centre.

Arthur Robinson In front of their largest crowd of the season, the Devils outplayed the London outfit for a large part of the match, but were unable to make it count.

After being in front 25-17 after the opening period and 41-36 up at half-time, Devils looked in good shape to record their fourth win of the season, but the visitors had other ideas.

Their player-coach, Solomon Ayinla was in impressive form as the Wildcats started to claw back the deficit.

In an exciting fourth period, Arthur Robinson and Joe Milnes led from the front, scoring 24 and 21 points respectively, but man-of-the-match Ayinla kept the home side at bay in the closing stages as Kingston ran out narrow winners.

Devils coach Bill Baker said: "We have come close to winning the last three games, but finishing second is no good. We have to step up a level for our next two games against Reading Rockets."