LONDON, ENGLAND (BBC) - Chicago Bulls legend Dennis Rodman helped the Brighton Bears to a 91-88 victory over the Guildford Heat in his British Basketball League debut. The 44-year-old, who signed for the club in a one-game deal after being evicted from Celebrity Big Brother, scored four points in 26 minutes.

Rodman's appearance ensured a 1,800 sell-out at the Brighton Triangle. The game was delayed by half an hour as fans queued outside to witness the former NBA star in action.

Just before the end of the first quarter there was a flash of classic Rodman. With the ball bouncing towards the Bears' end line, he dived, horizontal in mid-air, to try to save the ball from going out of bounds. The 6ft 7in man-mountain nearly took out a row of seating and three photographers in the process.

But Brighton was certainly better with him on the floor. While he was sitting down autographing BBL Baden Basketballs in the second quarter, the Heat hit a 10-0 run and their fourth-quarter revival also came with Rodman on the bench. The only time they left him unguarded close to the basket, it cost them two points.

He managed to concoct some drama for the end of the game, too. With Brighton leading 91-88, the Heat's Dean Williams attempted a three-pointer to tie the game. It missed; Rodman grabbed the rebound - his seventh of the night - and was fouled. Six seconds to go and Rodman had two free throws to seal the game for the Bears. He missed both, but Guildford was unable to strike back.

Rodman, who was paid a reported £20,000 for his appearance, added: "I wasn't here to try and steal the show. I just wanted to have some fun and help these players, who have been working their butts off.”

Bears coach Nick Nurse said: "Dennis might have looked a bit rusty, but it was a night nobody in British basketball will ever forget. He was a delight to have around, the crowd loved him."

Brighton announced Rodman will line up against the Newcastle Eagles in their BBL game at the Brighton Centre on February 14. The news comes despite Brighton being investigated by the British Basketball League after claims Rodman's debut was against league rules.