Oxford Devils reached the quarter-finals of the National Trophy when they captured the scalp of Sutton Pumas in London on Saturday night.

Playing at full strength for the first time for a month, the Devils got the sort of hard-fought match they expected against a team from the conference above them, before winning 88-80.

The visitors started tentatively, and the Pumas, looking for revenge for their loss at Oxford Brookes three weeks ago, started the game in more positive fashion.

Oxford just managed to stay in touch and were four points down after the first quarter.

However, with Todd McNeil and Steve Riley beginning to influence the game, the Devils posted a one-point lead at half-time.

Keith Kelly and Joe Milnes found their range after the break as the Devils began to dominate, but the Conference 2000 team were not prepared to give up the fight lightly, and made some big shots.

Oxford then stepped up a gear and outscored the Pumas 13-6 in the last four minutes to secure an outstanding victory and ensure their place in the last eight.

**Leading Devils scorers: Todd McNeil 27, Steven Riley 15, Joe Milnes 13, Keith Kelly 11.