Croatia's basketball giants strode into Sussex last night and declared: "We've come here to win."

Split Croatia Insurance take on Brighton Bears in the first game of the ULEB Cup at the Triangle tonight (8pm) being tipped as possible winners of the event.

They are one of the biggest names in basketball, having been European champions in 1989, 1990 and 1991, and field some of the most talented young players in the world.

Their line-up also includes 6ft 10in American forward Tommy Smith, who was drafted by the Chicago Bulls earlier this year before heading to Europe to gain experience.

No wonder Bears are describing the game as the biggest in their 30-year history.

Split coach Predrag Kruscic watched his men train at the Triangle last night and said: "I expect us to win.

"We are a really young team, nine of the players are from our basketball school, and we are in good shape."

Split arrived in England still reeling from a 118-116 defeat to Buducnost after triple overtime in Saturday's Adriatic League clash.

Kruscic added: "That was a crazy game. I've never seen three overtimes. We were unlucky, that's all."

Smith knows a successful ULEB Cup campaign can help him back into the NBA.

He said: "I'm not really worried about that right now. I'm here and I'm going to take care of business.

"We're just expecting to play hard and win the game."

He added: "This team is very young. With other teams I've been on the players practise, then go to work.

"These guys leave practice and have to go to class."

Tickets are likely to still be on sale tonight, price £10 for adults and £6 concessions.

Call (01273) 697400 or see brightonbears.com for details and advance bookings.