Coach Gary Smith believes playing top quality opposition can bring the best out in his team.

Thunder face holders Leicester Riders of the BBL northern conference in the first round of the National Cup at Worthing Leisure Centre tonight (8pm) believing they can pull off an upset.

Riders have won just once in their first five games against Brighton Bears and will be playing their fourth match in six days.

Smith said: "I think we match up pretty well against them although their coach Billy Mims will probably be saying the same.

"Playing against a better standard of opposition will bring out the best in my team, I have no doubt about that, and the guys want to win badly, as I do."

Thunder's four-match winning run came to an end with a narrow Trophy defeat against Solent Stars on Sunday, but Smith admits his side still haven't hit their peak.

"There is a lot more to come from this team," he added. "I would say we are the most talented side in the Conference league, but proving it on the court is a different matter."

University commitments mean Mark Vengoe is ruled out, but Dean Smith and Darren Cheal should have recovered from slight hamstring strains.