LANCASHIRE Spinners fell to a second straight defeat for the first time this season after going down 91-74 at home to National League Division One leaders Manchester Magic.

Franc Garcia Garrido scored 26 points on Saturday to help the unbeaten table-toppers follow up their National Cup victory over the Spinners six days earlier.

The Spinners, who are based at Castle Leisure Centre in Bury, used a 26-7 stretch over seven minutes to turn a 52-34 half-time deficit into a 60-59 lead, but Magic responded with 12 straight points to halt their comeback.

“Our fightback in the third quarter was unbelievable but we didn’t maintain that level,” said Lancashire coach Neal Hopkins said. “In two games, Manchester has really killed our spike.”

Five Manchester players finished in double-figures, including Jack Minister – whose three-pointer with just over three minutes left on the clock gave Magic a lead that they would extend over the finishing stretch.

Nick George's 19 points was the highlight for the Spinners, who fell to consecutive defeats for the first time this season.

Connor Murtagh had been averaging 20.8 points entering the game but he was limited to just five points by a stout Magic defence.

“Defensively, I thought it was the best we’ve played all year,” said Manchester coach Paul Middleton. “We made really good decisions when it mattered down the stretch.”

The Magic scored 20 points off 14 Lancashire turnovers and also dominated the paint 46-28.

Ellis Cooper had a near triple-double in his second game back from injury, falling a rebound and an assist shy on his way to 12 points.

Lancashire, meanwhile, struggled on 24-of-66 from the floor in the game and was just 25.9 per cent from behind the arc.

Aitor Estrada converted three of the Spinners’ seven threes.

“No scouting report is going to tell you to make that extra effort. They have to find that within themselves,” said Hopkins.

But a club-record attendance of 839 witnessed the defeat.

Hopkins added: “This was a milestone for North West basketball. This was something that was much needed for the region.

“It was great to see so many kids here that have seen a highly competitive game and some great players as well.”

Entry was reduced to just £1 as part of a club promotion that is running throughout November.

The crowd was vocal throughout the contest, which included half-time performances by the Street Shakers.

“We’ve got to ride the effort that Ken Masser put into the game. As a basketball fan and someone who wants what’s best for the sport, I hope to see the fans back here again supporting us week in and week out.”

The Spinners face two games away from home before returning to Castle Leisure Centre on December 12.