The 83-78 defeat was simply down to the visitors’ superior late-game execution, with the reigning SEABL champions grimly holding on over the final seconds despite the Lady Bandits’ desperate efforts.

A three-pointer from import Kristina Baltic cut the lead to 79-76 with 40 seconds remaining but the hosts were unable to get any closer, with Brisbane closing the game out from the free throw line.

It was a balanced scoring attack from the Lady Bandits, with Ali Bouman leading the way with 21 points and 13 rebounds and Ashton Eaton playing one of her best games of the season to finish with 20 points and four assists.

Baltic added 10 points and a game-high 15 boards while fellow forward Teyla Evans chimed in with 13 points.

For Brisbane, Sarah Graham top-scored with 23 points.

Coach Michael Brookens, while extremely disappointed with the defeat, was nonetheless pleased with the competitiveness of his charges.

“It’s a tough loss, it was there for the taking,” Brookens said.

“We just didn’t execute well enough late in the fourth.

“But I’m happy with the effort and the way we fought and played with confidence, we kept battling.”

After a patchy start from both teams, the visitors put on a full-court press to good effect, jumping to a handy 26-21 margin at quarter-time.

The Lady Bandits quickly erased the deficit and stormed in front with less than four minutes left in the half to take a 49-45 advantage at the long intermission.

Brisbane came out snarling in the third, reclaiming the lead with some offensive execution to stake a 64-61 scoreline with 10 minutes to play.

Try as they might, the Border outfit could not reduce the Spartans’ advantage throughout the final stanza.