Nick Nurse has challenged his Brighton Bears to prove they can win at the double.

Bears face a busy weekend, with tomorrow's Trophy trip to Leicester from 7.30pm followed by a Championship tussle with Milton Keynes Lions at the Triangle at 5pm.

The demise of Manchester means Brighton go to Leicester already sure of a Trophy last eight place, but Sunday's clash with Lions is already looking to be a crunch clash in the battle for a play-off spot.

Double-header weekends have proved Bears' downfall so far this season. Nurse said: "I know you are supposed to take one game at a time, but we haven't won two in a weekend yet so that is our goal.

"The bad news was losing twice on the first weekend when we did not have the team we have now."

Victories in both games could ensure Bears have triple reason to celebrate.

Top scorer Sterling Davis is on the shortlist for the BBL player-of-the-month award for November, though he insists he places little importance on such prizes.

Davis starred for Bears in the recent home win over Milton Keynes but warned: "They are a good team and they will play better than last time.

"A couple of their players have been putting up bigger numbers recently."

Lions coach Nigel Lloyd has pinpointed Davis and Albert White as Bears' main threats. He said: "Maybe we can't stop them, maybe we slow them down and ask some questions of the other players."

It is also a big weekend for Worthing Thunder, who can move towards their first senior prize by beating visiting Plymouth in tomorrow's Trophy semi-final (8pm).

Coach Gary Smith is convinced they can do it but warned: "Plymouth will be tough opponents. Their English guys have been together for a while and they look to be a bit more mobile than last season."

Manchester Giants have been withdrawn from the BBL after their franchise was cancelled.

Problems had been mounting for the team, who won the 1999/2000 championship under coach Nick Nurse.

Last week their fixture against London Towers was postponed because of financial uncertainty surrounding the franchise.

Giants were due to visit the Brighton Centre on Tuesday, December 18. Bears are now keen to host Worthing Thunder on that date in an exhibition match.