Cheshire Phoenix’s three game win streak ended after a 62-67 loss to the Glasgow Rocks in their BBL Trophy Quarter-Final home tie.
After impressive victories over the Giants, Hemel Storm and the Flyers, Cheshire’s BBL Trophy run ends with a loss to the Glasgow Rocks after a feeble second-half display.
The game started with a highly contested opening quarter with an abundance of lead chances as both teams were met with satisfactory field goal percentages (CHE 47%, GLA 55%).
However, Cheshire showed a clear advantage in the defensive stats with a total of two blocks and an influential six steals which helped Cheshire end the quarter up 21-18.
The hosts continued to impress with an empathic ten point, 36-26, at the halftime break.
Cheshire enjoyed the biggest lead of the game and despite a low field goal shot percentage of 25%, they were still able to show off their exemplary rebounding ability and drive towards the bucket, drawing five personal fouls from a shaky Glasgow defence.
In spite of Cheshire’s commanding end to the half, the visitors soon hit back and took the lead with a meritorious scoring run of 23-9, ending the quarter up by four with a 49-45 lead.
Dominating the rebound numbers and converting ten of their 18 field goals (56%) in comparison to a lacklustre four for 16 (25%) conversion rate from the Phoenix set up a tense final quarter, with both teams still having keen aspirations to book their place in the semi-finals.
Despite a promising attacking display, that saw Phoenix regain their double digit lead midway through the quarter, Glasgow hit back and saw off the hosts with another splendid scoring run that ensured that there would be no way back for Cheshire.
While the final box score was close, with a 18-17 scoring run in favour of Glasgow, the visitors shot 47% from the field and only missed one of their nine attempted free throws throughout the game, ensuring that they were taking every chance they got at the charity stripe.
Cheshire centre James “Jimbo” Lull lead the game in scoring with 20 points (three rebounds, one assist, one steal and one block) with their talented guard Kahron Ross also impressing with 17 points (nine rebounds, six assists and five steals).
Other notable Cheshire performances included Mike McCall Jr, hot off his devastating buzzer-beater three point winner against Bristol, scored 11 points (two assists) and Matthew Bryan-Amaning scoring seven points (six rebounds, two assists, one block and one steal).
It’s a tough loss for the Nix after a recent good run of form that would’ve certainly brought a huge boost of morale to the roster.
Phoenix now need to focus on their upcoming BBL home league game against the Worcester Wolves on Wednesday.
(Photos courtesy of Adam Day Photography)
