Brighton Cougars cannot afford any more slip-ups after going down at home to Tamar Valley Cannons in NBL division two south.

Cougars, who were at Colchester Alliance today, went down 90-79 to a side they had beaten on the road in trophy action a week earlier.

The contest lived up to its billing and a thriller looked in store when two Emmanuel Larochee free throws tied it up at 74-74 going into the last three minutes. Cannons though replied with five quick points to take a lead they would not relinquish.

Nathan Hayes was a one-man wrecking crew for Tamar Valley with 35 points and 15 rebounds. Laroche hit 16, Gareth Morgans added 15 and James Ashcombe 14 while Ramy Malik was 12 and seven. Cougars led by five at the half.