There's a London derby at the Brentwood Centre on Sunday afternoon as the Big Cats and the Topcats lock claws.

 

Both clubs have impressive Cup records, with Brixton having reached the semi-final last season as a third division side before bowing out at Manchester Magic. Meanwhile, Leopards won the competition in 2005 and will be playing in their third straight quarter-final.

 

Having reached the last four in 2008/9, Topcats received a bye in the first round of this season's competition before hammering Southgate Academical Lions 147-36 in round two in a game where they led 69-6 at half-time.

 

The third round saw Brixton face another capital derby when they hosted London Mets and 24 points from point guard Paul Mundy-Castle helped them to a 90-77 victory against the Division One side.

 

Leopards' progress to the last eight has been relatively straightforward with three double-digit wins against lower division opposition. A 24-12 second period proved to be key as Milton Keynes Lions II were beaten 70-53 in the first round at Barking Abbey and Leopards returned to the same court in round two and 23 points from Carl Latham-Henry helped them to a 76-57 victory against Hackney White Heat.

 

Latham-Henry was again in top form with 36 points as Leopards won 94-74 at Brunel University against third division London Westside.

 

The Topcats and Leopards have never met in a competitive game before, but did play a couple of scrimmages during the final weeks of last season.

 

Leopards' coach Jon Burnell is expecting a tough game:

 

"They're clearly a good side and I imagine they'll get promoted. We played them in a couple of training games last season and they are a tough team to play against.

 

"I know Andy [Powlesland] well and his team are well-coached and able to cope with different situation. One of the reasons they're a good team is because they have a lot of players who also play for South Bank Uni. There's a genuine link there and they have lots of time to get things right.

 

"They have experience in Cherry [Mundy-Castle] and reading the scouting report we have, they're strong inside and they're always good at the guard spots.

 

"They'll be in our faces and very athletic, but we've shown in the last couple of home games that when we play well, we can beat anyone, we just have to make sure we maintain that level."

 

Brixton coach Andy Powlesland is looking forward to Sunday's game at Brentwood:

 

"I am very pleased with the way the season has started and we have done well to put ourselves in a position to repeat last year's cup run and reach the semi-final. 

 

"As last year, we have beaten higher league opponents and I'm sure nobody left in the competition will take us lightly; we are striving to go one better and reach the final this time around. 

 

"Our opponents are well known to us and I have no doubt will provide a stern test of our ability on the big stage if we are to win through to the semi-final.  The key men to identify in my opinion are both veteran points guards; for us it's Paul Mundy-Castle and it's essential if we are to do well that he is firing on all cylinders; he brings us leadership, defensive intensity and a very real scoring threat. 

 

"For the Leopards it's former Brixton legend Ronnie Baker, who appears to have lost none of his court savvy and control over the game and from what people tell me, he still pushes the fast break pretty well. 

 

"I see from statistics Carl Latham-Henry is usually amongst the scorers and will provide us with a tough defensive assignmen, and from the roster that Leopards have shown some size which will be a good test for Brixton's big men, Laurie Lewis and Tom Adorian. 

 

"I think this draw provides us with a real chance to test ourselves against top quality opposition. I think the game will be a close and competitive occasion that will be decided on defensive match ups and who shoots the ball better on the day."

 

While Baker is a product of the Topcats junior programme, Mundy-Castle is a former member of the old Leopards, winning the BBL Championship with them in 1997 and 1998.