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.
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