Basketball: Cummins is the tormentor

FORMER Edinburgh Kings basketball star Paul Cummins returned with Northern Ireland to torment Scotland 91-74 in their opening game of the British Universities Home Nations Championships at Riccarton yesterday, writes SANDY SUTHERLAND.

Cummins, who netted 11 points, was, however, overshadowed by two more players with US collegiate experience, Dave Neal, who contributed a superb 34 points, and Kevin Foley, 33.

Former GB Under-20 guard Neil Fraser (Stirling) found his shooting touch with 16 for Scotland, Stirling team-mate and Edinburgh Kings guard Garreth Lodge adding 13 and Daniel Donnelly (Glasgow Caley) 11 before fouling out.

Glasgow Rocks guard Rebecca Cumming with 27 points and Gillian Baird (Stirling) with 20 led Scotland to an 80-72 opening win over Northern Ireland in the women's tourney. Edinburgh's Sarah O'Brien added 13 and clubmate Nicola McBrierty 11 as the Scots held off a spirited fight-back.

Other results: Men: England 101, Wales 50; Women: England 129, Wales 25.