SWINDON shock suffered a heart-breaking overtime defeat on their trip to Essex Blades at the weekend as they lost 107-99 in Division Three South of the National Basketball League.

Level at 81-81 after four periods and then 92-92 after the first round of additional time, Shock could only muster seven points in the second period of overtime as they suffered their fourth defeat of the season away at fellow title-contenders Essex.

David Colclough’s side have now dropped back to a record of six wins and four defeats after starting the season 6-2.

As a result, they find themselves two wins off top spot – although the top two teams have at least one game in hand too.

Shock started in the ascendancy as they took a 27-17 lead into the second period before tying a high-scoring next quarter 24-24.

Swindon’s good work in the first half was reversed in the third quarter, though, as they slipped to a 27-16 deficit, causing them to fall behind by a single point as they entered the final quarter of regulation time.

Colclough’s side managed to squeeze out a narrow 14-13 lead in the fourth, though, to level the game at 81-81 and take the game to overtime as they hunted a win in their quest to climb the table.

A nervy first period of overtime followed, and with the scores tied at 92-92 after five periods, it was Essex who edged out in front in the sixth to steal the win.

Antonio Wilburn top-scored for Shock with 35 points, Mantas Kmita backed him up superbly with 25 of his own, while Matt Ford chipped in with 11.

Shock will look to get back to winning ways on Saturday as they entertain struggling Cardiff City at Swindon New College (3pm tip-off).