STEVEN Gayle scored 28 points as the Lancashire Spinners earned a much needed win against Bradford to keep pace in the National Basketball League Division One standings.

The veteran guard, who has scored at least 23 points in three-straight contests, posted his fifth 20-plus performance in league play during the Spinners’ 88-82 victory on Saturday.

Lancashire moved up to seventh in the table, with the top eight taking part in the end-of-season play-offs.

Gayle shot eight-for-17 from the field and went nine-of-10 at the free line against Bradford.

“Steve obviously had a big game but what I’ve really liked about our wins recently, is we’re doing it as a team and that’s how we’ll continue to be successful,” said Lancashire coach Neal Hopkins.

Connor Murtagh had 14 points and Mike Bernard added 11 and eight rebounds in his return to the starting lineup.

And despite just three scorers in double-figures, the Spinners received contributions from Cian Hickey and Aitor Estrada as both finished above their averages.

Lancashire ended the opening period with a 7-0 spurt to trail by two before building a 44-39 lead shortly before half time.

But Bradford responded and a three-pointer at the buzzer tied the game at 49.

Raphael Saipe’s triple early in the third quarter put Bradford ahead 51-48, but that would be Lancashire’s largest deficit of the half.

Hickey knocked down a three-pointer on the next possession and Bernard forced in a layup and the Spinners never trailed again.

And when Bradford did get close, Lancashire had an answer.

Zion Tordoff’s three-pointer sparked a 14-5 run after the visitors cut the lead to two, which included seven-straight points from Gayle to end the third quarter.

The Spinners then fought off an 8-0 run in the fourth after their 14-point lead was cut to five with less 3mins 31secs remaining.