Launceston Tornadoes lose second NBL1 fixture

Saturday night's 87-85 loss to Nunawading Spectres at Elphin Sports Centre follows last week's 70-64 defeat against Southern Sabres.

For the second week running, Derrick Washington's team narrowed the margin to within touching distance in the final quarter before paying the price of a poor start.

But it was so nearly a different story as the Torns almost grabbed the most dramatic of wins.

Two points down with just a few seconds remaining, the visitors in possession and coach Washington at his excitable best, Stella Beck stole the ball and raced upcourt but was unable to get away a shot that could have seized victory.

Down 53-44 at the main break the home side won the third and final quarters but it was not enough.

American forward Brittany Hodges again top scored, amassing 29 points along with six rebounds.

Guards Beck (15 points) and Sarah O'Neill (21 points including both attempted three-pointers) kept the score ticking over while Bec Abel brought the Elphin crowd to its feet with a timely three-pointer midway through the final term. 

But ultimately they could not match a Spectres line-up that by the end had five players on four fouls but four into double figures.

Forwards Kathleen Scheer and Rebecca Pizzey contributed 41 points between them with Scheer adding 15 rebounds.

Guards Chelsea D'Angelo (14 points) and Tessa Boyd (13) kept the score ticking over while Eliza Chilcott claimed 12 rebounds.

The Torns now face a lengthy absence from their home venue, not returning until the visit of Albury Wodonga in round 7 on Friday, May 17.

Round 3 will see the team visit the Kingborough Basketball Stadium for the first Tasmanian derby against the Southern Huskies on Saturday, April 13, followed by a road trip double-header against Bendigo Braves and Waverley Falcons on April 27 and 28 with a similar schedule the following week at Frankston and Eltham.