Cheshire Phoenix used a strong fourth quarter to beat London Lions 82-68 and win the BBL Trophy in Glasgow on Sunday.

A closely-fought encounter was cracked open in the final quarter as Cheshire started it with an 13-0 run to turn a 61-55 lead and into a 71-55 cushion.

Unlike the WBBL Lions before them, last season’s BBL Trophy winners looked lost. Missing Will Neighbour, Isaiah Reece to injury along with the departed Julian Washburn didn’t help, but for a team that were still in it after the third, they seemingly switched off.

For the Phoenix though, a throughly deserving first piece of silverware since 2018. Larry Austin led the way with 23 points and 10 rebounds for a double-double with Namon Wright pouring in 18 points as four players hit double figures in scoring.

Cheshire Phoenix used the fourth quarter to claim the BBL Trophy. Photo: Mansoor Ahmed.

Dirk Williams led all scorers as he battled through all 40 minutes for 24 points.

In a game of runs to start, Cheshire looked to have the upper hand as they took a double-digit cushion early in the second, but Lions fought back mainly through the veteran leadership of Justin Robinson and the young Barking Abbey product, Bradley Kaboza.

A triple from Williams brought it back to within three with 4:11 remaining in the half but Phoenix managed to keep their noses in-front, leading 40-35 at the break.

Lions threatened in the third and despite Phoenix maintaining the lead through the quarter, London wouldn’t be shaken off. However, a timely three-pointer from Kyle Carey gave Cheshire a 58-51 advantage with 2:26 remaining.

Phoenix would begin attacking London’s wounded line-up to live at the foul line for the reminder the third before a game-changing run to start the final period settled matters.

Photo: Mansoor Ahmed