The Scottish Rocks' fall from grace continued with a 74-66 reverse to Guildford Heat last night, their seventh consecutive loss.
Despite 21 points from Rob Yanders, the Scots never quite managed to extinguish the Heat's resolve, despite a battling late rally.
"It's disappointing to have come so close and not get the win," said Rocks player-coach Sterling Davis. "It'll come, but we need to battle for it with the end of the regular season now so close."
After trailing 12-4 early on, Davis' men tried desperately to catch up and twice levelled at the end of the second quarter when the American converted to make it 35-35. Guildford, though, re-asserted a one-point cushion at half-time.
The rivals were separated only 54-52 at the start of the final period, but the Heat's victory looked safe when they pulled 67-60 clear with two minutes remaining. Gareth Murray capped an unlikely rally to trim the deficit to one, but the visitors held firm to close with a 7-0 run, leaving the Rocks stranded in sixth place.
Leaders Newcastle Eagles took a massive step towards retaining the BBL title with a crushing 90-79 win over closest rivals Everton that leaves them eight points clear.
Meanwhile, Edinburgh Kings produced an emphatic performance to secure their third successive domestic basketball double yesterday, crushing St Mirren 82-57 to add the Scottish Cup to the league title they lifted earlier this month.
It completed a golden haul for the capital club at the expense of their Paisley rivals, with their women's side, Kool Kats, completing their own double with a 75-64 win over the Saints.
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