With the play off picture yet to be finalised, wins are important in the final standings and Bury, hosting Oxford, looked to overturn a loss when these two teams last met.

However, it was the visitors that came out looking the hungrier and found the target with inside moves.  Bury struggled against the zone but defensively, the team pulled together and the team traded baskets although Oxford held a three point lead after one.

The second quarter was much the same, Bury's lack of intensity allowed Oxford to capitalise inside.  Bury pulled within two but the failure to stop the fast break was Bury's undoing as Oxford finished the half leading 45 to 37.

After some harsh words Bury realised that if they were to win, intensity was the key.  Mike Nichols, as always, hassled the guards and Usman Babu denied the ball in the post, generating points from turnovers.  Tom Hope came off the bench adding to the fire, hustling great on the offensive boards.  The intensity spread through the team and Alan Hall and Ste Graham Capitalised with easy baskets for a 36 to 10 point quarter.  Bury led by 18 with one quarter to go.

Although the lead seemed insurmountable, Oxford chipped away while Bury's lackadaisical attitude proved to be a bad move.  Bury led by six with a few minutes remaining but free throws by Babu and Nichols ensured Bury finished 88 to 80 winners.

Bury play Penwortham next week and hopefully a good playoff position will be gained.  If they make it past the quarters, they will face Stockport or the Tropics which are always tough games.  If Bury can keep the intensity they had for the whole game they showed in the third, they can beat anyone.

Usman Babu and Mike Nichols led scorers with 19 and 17 points respectively.