Manchester Giants kept their slender play-off hopes alive by defeating BBL Championship Southern Conference Champions  London Towers 81-80 in a thrilling encounter at the Manchester Velodrome on Saturday afternoon. 

A Justin Phoenix lay up 4.8 seconds from the end proved to be the difference between the two teams and gave Giants a boost as they aim for the final play-off place in the Northern Conference. 

Earlier, Towers had led 45-39 at half-time and 63-59 after three quarters. However, they trailed 79-77 with 44 seconds left, before Eric Taylor stole the ball from Brian Earl to score - he was also fouled and made the extra foul shot to lead 80-79, before Phoenix sealed the game for Giants. 

Julius Joseph led Manchester's scoring with 23 points; Wayne Henry added 19 for the Towers.