COACH Charles Luke-Bannerman hopes the return of Jan Trojanowski can help Brighton Bears end their depressing run against Sheffield Sharks tomorrow.

It's exactly five years since the sides first met, but Sharks have won the 18 meetings since then including three this season.

Chris Finch's team have already beaten Bears in the Dairylea Dunkers Championship, knocked them out of the National Cup and defeated them in the Uni-ball Trophy.

Trojanowski missed their last meeting a fortnight ago, when Sharks won 89-75 in the Cup quarter-final, and Bannerman is delighted he is back to help Bears try and their depressing run against last season's double winners.

"There's no doubt about it, Jan is a very important element in our team unit because he gives us some help on the offensive boards," said Bannerman.

"He's not an exceptional player, but he's fundamentally sound and can play a big part for us."

In Trojanowski's absence two weeks ago, Jon Gaines hit 30 points and it was skipper Richard Scantlebury who made way in last weekend's games against Chester and Derby.

Scantlebury responded with a game-high 16 points against Jets and repeated that the following day so it will be interesting to see who makes Bannerman's starting five.

Victory for Sharks would seal their place in the last eight of the Trophy, leaving Bears needing to win their remaining games at Chester and Plymouth to make sure of joining them.

"I think the Chester coach Robbie Pears and I know full well that Sheffield are a tough nut to crack," admitted Bannerman.

"Chris Finch has got them well drilled, but I'm always optimistic and my belief is that if we our things right we can challenge any team in this league."

In particular Bears must try to blunt Sharks' sharp-shooter Terrell Myers.

The 25-year-old is already averaging 29 points per game this season and leads the league's scoring charts ahead of Edinburgh Rocks' John McCord.

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