WORCESTER Wolves lost their top-of-the-table clash with Worthing Thunder 100-78 in front of a packed house at the Thunderdome.
The home side took the early initiative with Ott and Gayle making three-pointers. Valdas Urbanavicius responded for the Wolves with two strong drives to basket.
Matt Collins and Andy Harper then added three-pointers as the Wolves appeared to be adjusting to the noisy atmosphere.
Ott and Gayle continued to cause the Wolves problems as the Thunder raced into a first-quarter lead of 25-18.
The second quarter saw an improved defensive display from the Wolves and, offensively, Ben Potts, Collins and Harper successfully converted further three-point attempts. Ty Shaw was fouled on two occasions while driving to basket and he managed to sink three of his four free throws.
At half-time there was little between the teams as the Wolves had reduced the deficit to two points.
The second-half saw the Thunder increase their intensity with Woods being the key offensive threat for them during this period.
Collins and Urbanavicius offered some resistance for the Wolves but the home side were beginning to establish a firm grip on proceedings. Wolves ended the quarter trailing by eight points and still in contention.
But the situation changed within minutes of the start of the final quarter as the Worthing team went on an impressive run that also saw several fundamental errors from the Wolves resulting in a comfortable lead for the league leaders.
The Wolves threat faded as the jubilant home crowd celebrated an impressive Worthing performance. The Wolves faced a long and thoughtful trip home.
Top scorer was Urbanavicius with 21 followed by Collins and Harper with 14 apiece.
Director of basketball Mick Donovan said: "There can be no excuses -- we underachieved on the court at this critical stage of the season in terms of challenging for top spot in the league.
"We are now in a dogfight to maintain a top-four finish and home advantage in the play-offs.
"This is one of the most exciting finishes to a season that we have been involved in. We have tremendous playing ability within the club -- now we will learn about how strong we are mentally."
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