A predictable double defeat at the hands of two of the Budweiser League's top sides sent Crystal Palace crashing back down to earth last week.

The recent impressive victory over the Sheffield Sharks gave Palace an air of confidence approaching their Thursday night trip to the leaders London Leopards.

But a disappointing first half showing saw them trail by 22 points at half time and though they responded to reduce the deficit to just nine points by the end, the slow start made it impossible to turn things around.

Rob Terry top scored with 31 points while Brad Wedel and Eric Cardenas weighed in with 21 points between them.

The victory strengthened the Leopards' title aspirations leaving them joint top on 50 points with Newcastle Eagles with two games in hand.

On Saturday Palace entertained fourth-placed Thames Valley Tigers and were comprehensively blown away by 108-71.

An overpowering 12-37 final quarter by the in-form Tigers earned them their 11th win in 12 games as they continued their title challenge.

The Tigers totally dominated, particularly in the second half with their strike force of Tony Holley and John McCord sharing 50 points over the game.

Palace were in with a shout until the third period largely thanks to Eric Cardenas and Brad Wedel who took Palace to within seven points at the end of the second.

Tonight (Wednesday) Palace take on fifth-placed Exide London Towers at the Crystal Palace National Sports Centre.

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