The Penrith Panthers two Youth League men's teams were on the Central Coast for round 15 of the 2016 Waratah Youth League competition, returning with losses from both games.
The division one men led early in their clash with the Central Coast Crusaders but once the home team hit the lead midway through the first quarter, they were never headed in an 82-69 win.
Penrith were always in the chase, never more than five points behind at any stage of the game through the first three quarters, but unable to bridge the gap.
Centre Adam Lulka (Springwood) rolled his ankle during the fourth quarter and the Panthers will have an anxious wait to see if he is fit enough for this week's clash with the Sutherland Sharks.
The Panthers have now won just one of their past seven games and the playoff series seems to be a 'bridge too far'.
Sean Weekes led the Panthers with 18 points, ahead of Bryden Albertyn 16, Lulka 14 and Tom Lewer (Winmalee) 11.
The division two men are now on a five-game losing streak, following an 81-40 drubbing from the Central Coast Waves on Saturday.
Ru Daniel led the Panthers with 11 points, ahead of Gabriel Alvarez 10 and Brad McGrath 10.
The division one women have been out of action for some weeks but finally return to the court this Saturday, hosting the Sutherland Sharks.
Both Penrith division one teams play the Sharks, with the women's game at 3pm and the men's game at 5pm.
The division two men are away to the Hawkesbury Jets on Saturday at the Hawkesbury Indoor Sports Stadium, South Windsor - with tip-off at 5pm.
