Quarter-final date for Ayr women

The winner of the game would determine the eighth seed for the end of season play-offs, with the loser missing out on the trip to The Oriam in Edinburgh.

Internationalists Alix Henderson of Bears, and Rebecca Morrison of Storm, helped themselves to seven first quarter points apiece in a tense affair that saw the visitors edge it 13-12. It was a run of three '3's' from the home side at the beginning of the second quarter, one from Morrison and two from point guard Petra Kurcikova, that helped Ayr to a three point half-time lead.

Henderson - ably assisted by captain Catriona Russell - continued to torment the Ayr defence as the scoreline continued to remain close with the lead changing hands frequently.

Kurcikova's third three of the afternoon gave Storm a 38-36 advantage at the end of the third.

Highland turned on the gas though at the start of the fourth and when Russell made a basket and subsequent free throw with three minutes left, they found themselves six points ahead. Ayr stormed back, and quick baskets from guards Davee Sang and Emily Nolan, reduced the arrears to a mere two points. A drive and lay-up by Erin Jones levelled the scores at 53-53. However, Henderson's free throw restored Bears lead with 34 seconds remaining.

It was end-to-end play that kept the crowd on the edge of their seats, and an outside shot from Jessica Matthewson had the home support on their feet. A quick steal and basket from Kurcikova gave Ayr a three=point cushion with eight seconds left. Russell took a three point shot with Bears last play, but it agonisingly bounced off the rim, giving the home side victory. Morrison and Henderson finished as the game's oint top scorers with 22 points each.

Head coach Laura Nisbet was pleased with the team's attitude and said: "I was delighted the girls found a way to win in such a close, nerve-wracking game. It showed true guts and determination."

The win sees Ayr face league and cup champion Edinburgh in the play-off quarter-finals on Saturday.