DURHAM Wildcats suffered a blow to their play-off chances with a defeat on the road against the high-flying Glasgow Rocks yesterday evening.

Dave Elderkin’s side made the trip to play the only Scottish team in the BBL and were convincingly beaten 88-66.

Durham competed strongly for long periods but were unable to overcome the high-class basketball from the Rocks.

Glasgow ran out convincing 93-73 winners the last time the sides met three weeks ago at the Newton Aycliffe Leisure Centre.

Durham had never beaten the Rocks in their two years in the BBL Championship but the Wildcats scrapped with their in-form hosts to finish the first quarter only two points down.

Durham came out in the second quarter looking to continue their good work, Andrew Keister continuing his fine form of recent weeks.

But the hosts kept their noses in front with Brice Fantazi completing a smart basket as Glasgow’s class looked to outshine the young Durham roster.

And the Rocks finished the quarter strongly to lead 40-32 at the half-time buzzer.

Wildcats coach Elderkin claimed last week that his team still felt positive and that Durham wanted the identity of being difficult to beat.

But the Wildcats couldn’t handle the Rocks as the hosts came out in the third quarter and established a dominant lead.

Some superb defence limited the Wildcats to just 11 points in the quarter, leaving them with a 22-point deficit going into the final period.

The Rocks continued to sink baskets with ease as the Wildcats couldn’t compete with some superbly executed offensive plays.

Glasgow capped off a very convincing win against a Wildcat side that were just not good enough to break through the solid Rocks’ defence.

Glasgow moved into third place in the BBL with a 17-9 record, while Elderkin’s side remain second bottom.

But fans can be proud of Wildcats’ progress in this BBL campaign and can look forward to Durham’s next game against the winless Mersey Tigers.