.jpg)
Oaklands Wolves' British League play-off hopes took a knock as they went down 76-69 at home against Manchester Giants, on Saturday.
A massive 32 point, 13 rebound double-double from Ri Thomson [pictured] wasn't enough for Lee Ryan's team as a strong fourth period from the visitors saw them complete a season sweep against Wolves.
With four games in the regular season remaining, Wolves will travel to Newcastle Eagles on Saturday for a must-win match-up before hosting their away game against EuropeCup finalists London Lions next Wednesday. tip-off 2pm.
An even start saw Thompson's triple help Wolves tie the game at 10 midway through the first period but a 15-4 run from the visitors saw them take control before Thompson score a pair at the foul line to cut the deficit to 26-19 at the first break.
That lead grew as Emilie Black converted a three-point play to open the second period, but Amy West's lay-ip launched an 8-2 run, before a Beth Sarson and-one and a Thompson lay-up tied the game at 38 going into the locker room at half-time.
Giants scored the first five points after the break but there was little to choose between the teams in the third quarter and Thompson hit the hosts final five points of the quarter as the sides were locked at 59-59 going into the final frame.
Thompson extended her personal run to ten straight points as Wolves led 64-60 with 6:30 on the clock.
Thomson - inevitably - kept Wolves ahead with a jump shot but missed the bonus and Hanna Shaw's step back jumper saw Giants take a 67-66 lead with 2:31 on the clock.
Turk and Thomson exchanged triples to leave Giants up by one heading into the final 90 seconds.
Shaw hit a shot to make it a three-point game but the key moment came with 58 seconds on the clock when Day attempted to get the ball after a Thompson turnover and was harshly judge to have committed an intentional foul
Mya Pace converted both foul shots and scored another pair at the line as Wolves were forced to foul to stop the clock, leaving Giants able to wrap up the win.