The Derby Trailblazers knocked Lancashire out of the National Basketball League playoffs following its 91-61 win in the quarterfinals on Saturday.
Steven Gayle scored 21 points and Kyle Carey added 15 for the Spinners (25-13), who shot just 33 percent from the floor and held to their lowest points total.
David Watts had a game-high 30 points and 13 rebounds to help Derby (26-12) advance to the semi-finals in consecutive years where it will meet the winner of Reading and Essex. Oliver Stanley also recorded a double-double (13 points and 15 rebounds).
The Trailblazers’ Stanley broke open a 41-all tie scoring four straight points, which led to a 16-0 third quarter run over a two-minute stretch.
And Lancashire, who had twice responded from nine point deficits and held a 23-17 lead in the second quarter, could not find a way back.
After shooting 31 percent in the opening two quarters, Derby was 21-of-35 (60%) in the second half, and outscored the Spinners 57-33.
NOTES
Lancashire was outrebounded 57-36, including 21-15 at the offensive end. … The Spinners shot just 5 of 22 from 3-point range. … The bench, outside of Gayle, contributed eight points and none in the second half. … 61 total points is the lowest total this season since scoring 64 at Northumbria on Jan. 24. … Lancashire’s starters combined to be 12 of 39 from the field.
Allen Gunn
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