Manchester defeat ends Plymouth Raiders play-off hopes
Last Updated: 12/04/15 9:12pm
Plymouth Raiders saw their faint BBL play-off ambitions fall by the wayside on Sunday as they slipped to a 93-90 defeat against the Manchester Giants.
The Raiders had needed to win all three remaining fixtures and have other results go their way in order to reach the post-season.
But, despite leading for long periods and being propelled by Pierre Hampton's game-high haul of 31 points, Manchester dug in to strengthen their grip on eighth place with the victory.
Leicester Riders ensured that the race for the BBL Championship title will go to the final week after they came from behind to beat Sheffield Sharks 80-72.
Defeat would have automatically handed Newcastle Eagles the crown, but now they must still win one more game to retain the title, unless the Riders are beaten in any of their remaining three fixtures.
Elsewhere, Cheshire Phoenix bounced back from last week's defeat to Leicester with a dominant 91-58 triumph against the Durham Wildcats.