SPARTANS stay top of West Midlands Division Two despite a slow start against Birmingham Blazers last Sunday.

Losing the first quarter 21-16, Spartans had given themselves work to do on their home court but eventually got going half way through the second quarter with a 17 - 2 run.

Sam Coles hit three efforts from distance in the quarter and David Rice also hit another three-pointer to go in at the half 41 - 34 ahead.

Spartans came out trying to play at a faster tempo and started to create some easy looks with Jake Kelly and Matt Law scoring four points each in a few minutes of the start.

Spartans also went into a zone defence which restricted Blazers to 17 second half points in a great defensive display by the whole team and especially Josh Allan, Tom Ainge and Simon Ahmed.

The later also hit back-to-back baskets in a one minute spell where Spartans had a run of 10 - 2 points finishing with another three at the end by Sam Coles.

Spartans play in the quarter-final of the cup away at Featherstone Wasps on Sunday and their next home game is Sunday, February 11 at the LQ Arena in Stourport (6.15pm).