Brighton Bears coach Nick Nurse is convinced his team's tough baptism at the highest level in Europe is making them a much tougher proposition in the domestic game.

Bears warmed up for their revenge mission to Split Croatia in the ULEB tomorrow with a crushing 89-52 win over Plymouth Raiders in the BBL Trophy.

Nurse said: "Playing well in Europe and not winning is transferring into success on the domestic front which is important.

"We've got some big recent wins domestically and that is because of our style of play."

Rico Alderson hit 24 points and Sullivan Phillips 23 as Bears took EBL side Plymouth apart at Burgess Hill and their progression from the group stages now depends on the outcome of Saturday's clash against Thames Valley in Bracknell.

Nurse said: "Thames Valley have got to put it to us because if we win we're through and if we go and lose by less than 11 points we're also through.

"But they've already beaten us by 12 in Bracknell and I believe they think they can win on their own floor."

Before Bears tackle their arch-rivals they have the chance to break their duck in Europe and Nurse is confident they can do so in Split.

He is anxious for his players not to be weighed down by the winless tag saying: "We need to get a win and this is a team we can beat. The only way we can enjoy it is if we win and that's what we'll try and do."

However, Split have been handed a major boost ahead of the clash after the highly-rated Roko Leni Ukic came through his first game in three weeks on Saturday.

The young point guard, who has been likened to San Antonio star Tony Parker, is expected to play a major role against the Bears which will take some of the pressure off Split's overworked American point guard Curtis McCants.

McCants said: "Since Ukic was hurt I have been playing 40 minutes a game.

"He only practised with us once before the game but he played okay.

"Hopefully we will get two more practices in him before we play Brighton."

Bears Scorers: Alderson 24, Phillips 23, Williams 15, Duck 11, Siemon 9, Frederick 7, Brown 6, Warren 4, Alleyne 3.

Raiders Scorers: Love 20, Wellington 8, Rowe 8, Durham 7, Beasley 7, Williams 4, Riley 4.