Glasgow Rocks 72-80 Everton Tigers: Rocks stuck in a hard place as Everton prevail

GLASGOW Rocks fell just short in their quest to end a seven-year wait for a major trophy last night after a dramatic BBL play-off final that went almost to the wire.

Down 22 to Everton Tigers in the first half, Sterling Davis' men looked dead and buried but, somehow, they conjured up an astonishing comeback to lead with minutes remaining. However their Merseyside rivals found an extra gear when it mattered most to snatch an 80-72 victory.

"It's just so disappointing because we came out so flat," said Rocks captain Rob Yanders, who hit a team-best 15 points. "We needed so much energy to come back and there just wasn't enough."

Everton's game-plan was simple: to deny Glasgow's usually reliable shooters the time and space to make their mark. And it worked perfectly as the Tigers pulled 23-9 ahead in the opening quarter before a further surge increased the gap to 45-23 just before the break.

Down 17 at half-time, the Rocks were in an almighty hole. It took 18 attempts before Jessie Sapp scored his side's first three-pointer but it capped an 8-0 run that reignited the contest. And when Yanders hit another at the outset of the fourth period, it levelled matters at 56-56.

Briefly, the Rocks dared to lead when Mike Crowell converted from long-range. However, Trey Moore – who hit a game-high 22 points – sparked a vital late burst that eventually proved decisive.