AFTER a thrilling victory to open their season, Kent Crusaders basketball team are in cup action again on Saturday.

They delighted a packed Body and Mind centre in Canterbury last weekend with an 89-85 victory over Southampton Trailblazers in the first round of the National Cup.

And on Saturday they face Plymouth Raiders 2nd in the first round of the Patron’s Cup, a competition for Division 2 clubs in the English Basketball League.

The game takes place at 6.30pm at Body and Mind, Canterbury High School.

Crusaders will have new signing Angelo Irving aiming to make his competitive debut alongside Marcin Juszczak, pending the latter’s registration arriving on time.

Plymouth are led by former Hackney guard Jean Wakanena, and also won convincingly in the first round of the National Cup.

Crusaders coach Jesse Sazant said: "We need to carry on the momentum from the Southampton game but we need to show a big improvement in our defensive pride and intensity."

The Patrons Cup is played in north and south in pools with the top two teams in each continuing to the semis.

Last Saturday’s win means Crusaders will host Division 1 champions Worthing Thunder in the second round on Sunday, October 22, at 3.30pm.