Worthing Thunder coach Gary Smith is looking forward to next season after the NBL Conference play-off quarter-final against Manchester Magic ended in bitter disappointment.

Thunder, with key American Lavoris Jerry struggling with an ankle injury, were well below their best as Manchester deservedly went through 88-76 at Worthing Leisure Centre.

Worthing can look back on one major final this season, having lost to Teesside in the National Trophy, and Smith is certain they can make a bigger impact next term.

But he is not looking to make major changes and said: "I don't want to mess up the rotation of the team too much.

"I would love to have those guys back and maybe two more players but no more than that. I'd like the same Americans to stay. If I can get a guy who is a three-point threat and another big English guy I will.

"It's taken me two-and-a-half-years to find it and I want to stay with the same thing and add one or two more players."

The injury to Jerry, who hit only eight points, proved crucial to Thunder's hopes and Smith admitted: "Even if he had a half-decent game we would probably have come out victors.

"Although he tried to give it his all his ankle was swollen and he couldn't play to his capability."

Injury-hit Manchester raised their game to lead virtually throughout and Smith felt it was one of those nights when nothing really went for his team.

He said: "We didn't turn up until the second half and when we did cut back their lead a couple of calls went their way. There were certain situations when we were getting fouled on the inside and we didn't get calls. You expect to get calls, especially when you are on your home court."

Thunder, who trailed 66-56 after the third quarter after being 49-33 down at the break, twice pulled back to within three points in the final period but could not get on terms.

Skipper Gaylon Moore reduced the deficit to 79-76 at the line with just over a minute to play, but Magic hit the final nine points of the game without reply to ease through to the semis.

Thunder held the lead only briefly early on and, after being 22-20 behind at the end of the first quarter, they were out-played 27-13 in the next period.

Thunder: Moore 27, O'Harabe 12, Addy 10, Hildreth 9, Jerry 8, Brame 5, Malik 3, Harris 2.

Magic: Lovedale 18, Jones 13, Nuriyev 12, Lara-Bercial 12, Thompson 12, Molina 9, Metcalfe 8, Riordan 2, Shaw 2.