Cheshire Phoenix v Manchester Giants 92-98

North West Derby, without fans, what a game it was, both teams without core guys, however the players that either team had still managed to put on a show for both sets of fans.

1ST HALF

In the 1st quarter it was Giants basketball, its a well known fact they love coming to Ellesmere Port, Zack Powell full of energy with 5pts to open the game and Alex Ouandie hitting some jumpers. As the quarter went on Phoenix and Lufadeju started to find their groove finishing the quarter 21 - 26 to the Manchester Giants.

More of the same in the opening Group B match up, Alex Ouandie leads all scorers on 16 pts followed by Zack Powell's 11. Sol Rolls-Tyson for the Cheshire Phoenix is on 7, whilst imports Kahron Ross and Eric Hamilton both have 9 with Disraeli Lufadeju on 10 from the bench. Exciting game of basketball, will be a pleasant surprise for Giants fans, seeing their team compete, Cheshire struggling from range shooting just 33% whilst Giants shooting at a good rate of 50% from behind the arc.

Cheshire winning the rebounding battle 22-16 , Eric Hamilton is a massive boost in that department, especially whilst Manchester are without Big man, Breaon Brady.

2ND HALF

The 3rd quarter was all giants once again, Alex Ouandie took his foot off the gas, Jack Hudson, David Ulph, Jordan Whelan all leading the way to a 17pt lead heading into the final quarter.

4th Quarter was a bit more tight than the whole of the game before hand, Max Jones hitting two clutch three pointers down the stretch for the Phoenix, bringing the phoenix within 3 with 20 secs to go. With quick fouls from the phoenix, Giants got it done in the end winning 98-92 on the road.

Stats:

Points

Kahron Ross (26) Cheshire Phoenix

Jordan Whelan (24) Manchester Giants

Alex Ouandie (23) Manchester Giants

Rebounds

Kahron Ross (10) Cheshire Phoenix

David Ulph (7) Manchester Giants

Pharroh Gordon (7) Cheshire Phoenix

Assists

Jack Hudson (7) Manchester Giants

Kahron Ross (6) Cheshire Phoenix

Alex Ouandie (5) Manchester Giants