Jittery Rocks hold off the Force to stay on course for top-four finish

GLASGOW Rocks survived a massive scare last night to hold off Leeds Force 75-74 and stay on course for a top four finish in the BBL. But Sterling Davis’ men threw away a 14-point lead with five minutes left before Kieron Achara hit a winning score with just six seconds to go.

Without prolific guard Warren Gillis, the Rocks – led by 20 points and 10 rebounds from Will Hall – raced 10-0 in front and although Leeds hit back, the hosts pulled 68-53 clear in the third period. However, a 16-2 run helped the Force edge improbably ahead in the final minute before Glasgow pulled off a priceless escape with their captain delivering the heroics.

Elsewhere Leicester Riders pulled out what could be a critical victory in the title race by thrashing Newcastle Eagles 80-64 and cut their rivals advantage to eight points with five games still in hand.

Meanwhile the expected reforms due to be unveiled by the recently-established British Basketball Federation could spark a radical reform of the BBL amid calls for an overhaul of the Trophy competition. It is understood there is support for a proposal, modelled on Spain’s highly-popular Copa Del Rey, which would see eight teams qualify to play off for the silverware over four days at a single venue in mid-season, replacing the current knockout format involving 16 sides.

And with the sport’s new governing body set to bring in a new club licensing system for the top flight from 2017, a number of options will be placed on the table to boost basketball’s commercial appeal. “I like the idea of it, to do something different,” Davis said. “There’s not much difference between the Cup and the Trophy. It’s like, if you don’t get it done in the Cup, then you’ve got another chance in the Trophy.

“It would be weird to have it all in one weekend. But it’s worth a look at to mix it up a little bit. The only distinction right now is the Trophy gives more teams a chance to come in but anything that would help the league is good. And if you had a good weekend, you never know what could happen.”

Scottish League champions Boroughmuir Blaze will bid to complete an unexpected double when they meet Edinburgh University in today’s playoff final at The Pleasance with the student outfit’s women’s team aiming for a clean sweep when they take on Edinburgh Kool Kats tomorrow. Results. BBL. Glasgow Rocks 75 Leeds Force 74, Bristol Flyers 86 Cheshire Phoenix 78, Worcester Wolves 77 Plymouth Raiders 70, Newcastle Eagles 64 Leicester Riders 80