Oxford Devils' hopes of reaching the National League play-off final came to abrupt end on Sunday afternoon when they were beaten 84-47 by league champions Derbyshire Arrows at the Queen's Park Leisure Centre.
The Devils, who travelled to Chesterfield full of confidence, struggled to find any offensive rhythm - in stark contrast to the home team.
The Arrows' leading scorer racked up 20 first-half points as Oxford's trailed 22-16.
It was in the second quarter that the Devils really struggled, the Derbyshire side piling on the points to go into the break 48-27 to the good.
The Devils then showed their 'never-say-die' attitude to dig in deep, and a change in defence made it difficult for the home team to score.
The visitors were repeatedly put on the free-throw line but failed to cash in, scoring only six from 20.
Although Oxford outscored the Arrows in the second half, the deficit was too great.
Devils coach Bill Baker said: "We went there with confidence but were well beaten. We wish them all the best in next week's final."
Devils' leading scorers: Riley 16, Choutka 11, Alexander 9.
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