LANCASHIRE Spinners player coach Steven Gayle was impressed with Division Two promotion rivals Lituanica BC as the London side claimed a late three-point victory over his team on Saturday.

In a game of scoring runs by both sides, the Spinners fell to an 87-78 home defeat as the hussle and rebounding power of the Lituanica team saw them through in one of the most competitive games of the season.

“It was a tough game,” said Gayle. “They were well coached and they adjusted to our changes well. We expected them to be tough and physical, and they were.

“We didn’t back down and I’m proud that we dug in. The crowd were amazing but it just wasn’t our day.”

Spinners started well as the big three of Vaughan, Gayle and Houghton combined for the first 23 points, and the Spinners led by six at the end of the first quarter.

At the start of the second, the Spinners led by as many as 13 but the tables soon turned.

From the sixth minute in the second quarter to the seventh minute of the third, London Lituanica went on a 30-9 run led by star man Petraitus, who finished with a game high 28 points.

The Spinners struggled to score and despite getting good quality looks at the basket, offensive rebounds and even lay-up attempts on the fast break they could not score and finished the third quarter five behind at 56-51.

The Spinners got rolling again in the fourth quarter with three quick baskets including three-pointers from top scorer Gayle and Rangeley to draw level after just two minutes at 59-59.

The London side put together a decisive 20-8 run and although the Spinners put together a furious last minute effort with a number of steals and Gayle hitting three three-pointers but it was not quite enough as Skardzius sealed it from the free throw.

The Spinners host London United at Bury Leisure Centre on Saturday, tip off 5.40pm.