OXFORD Hoops Braves were beaten 95-59 by local rivals Brookes Devils.

Braves had only seven players and struggled with firepower.

However, they were only three down at the end of the first quarter and managed to keep the fourth quarter level at 21 points apiece.

But in the second and third periods, Brookes took Braves apart.

David Emsden scored 14 points for Braves, with Nick Eglin weighing in with 13 and Preye Ozeke 12.

The result has prompted Braves head coach Marulanda to sign on one more player in 6’9” Tom Beckett.

The team have won one and lost one so far and are set to welcome back Joe Wells.

Next Saturday, Oxford Hoops Braves travel to Farnborough.

Meanwhile, Oxhoops Blazers, the development team, lost 70-51 to RAF Benson.

They were led this time by legendary coach Peter Egawhary.

Blazers competed hard over three quarters, but the 23-9 scoreline on the third period did all the damage.

Blazers travelled to Benson without starting centre Jordan Higgins, small forward Adam Roberts or Jay Martinez, who are pivotal to the team’s offensive and defensive rotation.

The leading Blazers scorers at RAF Benson were Louis Goodgame, with 18 points, Rupert Clarke nine, and Rauni Barros and John McGuinness both with seven.