The British Basketball League’s top three all secured victories as the first round of games in 2015 got underway.
League leaders Newcastle Eagles in the end were comfortable 97-76 winners at Surrey United but started the game sluggish, allowing Surrey to lead for the majority of the first half.
A 15-5 burst by the visitors in the third quarter though was enough for the Eagles as they recorded their 19th straight win. Scott Martin led the victors with 28 points. Kramer Knutson had 22 for Surrey.
Worcester Wolves are second after they pulled out a gutsy 95-90 win at the Plymouth Raiders. Jamal Williams cancelled out Ben Mockford’s game-high 22 to help Worcester to victory.
Leicester Riders stay third as they dug out two wins from their double-header weekend.
The Riders saw-off Leeds Force 74-54 thanks to a strong start and 20 points from Rashad Hassan. They then travelled to London and despite trailing 26-20 after the first period, came away with a 91-76 win against the Lions.
Hassan this time bettered his exploits against Force with a 31-point haul against the Lions who continue their plunge down the table.
Cheshire Phoenix continue their hot streak as they beat Manchester Giants 93-75 at home to extend their winning run to nine games.
Mike DiNunno impressed for the Phoenix with a game-high 36 points as the hosts broke out to a 30-18 lead after one and never looked back.
Despite losing to Leicester, it wasn’t all doom and gloom for Leeds Force as they stunned local rivals Sheffield Sharks 62-60 on the road behind 21 points from debutant Sam Attah. Leeds’ fourth win of the season moved them off the bottom as week 15 concluded.
Durham Wildcats moved up to the playoff places and claimed the head-to-head over Bristol Flyers after they defeated the south-west side 77-72.
Christopher Jones led the Wildcats with 23 points as he helped them pull away from the visiting Flyers in the third quarter, en route to the win.
