NASSA’s Neptune team progressed to the semi-finals of the Men’s National Cup after defeating last year’s champions Leeds Carnegie.

Neptunes, who won three National league titles last season, showed great determination to secure the victory.

Despite baskets from Ladi Brown, Will Ashby Anthony Okereafor and Jeff Danchie it was a slow start by the Newham based side.

They ended the first quarter down by 14 points but an improved showing in the second quarter, thanks to solid baskets from David Ajumobi and Papa Demba Kasse, meant that NASSA scored 35 points to Leeds’ 15.

Numerous three-pointers, fast breaks, great baskets and a great defence gave the NASSA team the platform to ensure their place in the semi-final, with a final score of 67-60 the Yorkshire side.

Meanwhile, NASSA under-16s won against Solent Kestrels 68-53, while the under-18s beat Youngbloods 87-69.

NASSA Director Natasha Hart said: “This is a great day for NASSA and today’s success is a testament to the hard work from all of our NASSA coaches, parents, volunteers and our players.”

“All of the teams have worked really hard and we are very proud of today’s results. It shows that NASSA is still at the top of our game and that we have a lot more to offer in the future.”

The semi-final against Manchester Magic is scheduled to take place on December 8 at UEL’s SportsDock.