Blackpool Basketball setback in play-off chase

They had only seven players available to face a young Myerscough side, whose hot shooting saw them take a 10-4 lead after four minutes.

Altor Estrada knocked down a quick five points only for Myerscough to close the quarter with a 9-2 run for a 19-13 lead.

The hosts continued to push the pace, with seven unanswered points to start the second period before Greg Slater and Chris Hodkin, who scored back-to-back three-pointers, cut the deficit.

Slater came out in the third quarter aggressively, knocking down a deep three-point shot and going four for four from the free-throw line.

A strong drive from Greg Whittaker cut the gap to six only for Myerscough to score four three-pointers in a row.

Hodkin had some success towards the end of the quarter but Blackpool went into the final session trailing 65-49.

That gap became 18 before Estrada hit back with a barrage of three-pointers. Four points from Hodkin and a three from Slater gave Blackpool the lead with under a minute to play.

Myerscough drew a foul, converting one from two to tie the game with four seconds left. Blackpool called a timeout, then Estrada just missed with a turnaround jump shot, meaning overtime.

Estrada netted five points and Dan Campbell scored from an offensive rebound but Blackpool lost by three.

Hodkin top-scored with 27 points, nine rebounds and five assists, while Slater had 24 and six assists, and Estrada 22 and nine rebounds.

Having slipped to third, Blackpool have two games to regain their play-off spot, starting against Manchester Magic 2 at Blackpool Sixth this Sunday (2.15pm). Spectators are welcome.