A late Kahron Ross deuce was enough to ensure that Cheshire would extend their winning streak to four wins after a scintillating 77-75 derby day victory over bitter adversaries, Manchester Giants.

Coming off the back of their 81-75 away win against the Flyers, Cheshire would host the Manchester Giants in a highly anticipated North-West Derby encounter with the Nix looking continue their unbeaten run of three consecutive league wins.

Cheshire coach Ben Thomas named an unchanged starting five from their away win at Bristol with forward Sehill Mouliom still recuperating from a recent shoulder injury.

The Giants came into this game looking to secure a first victory since their 98-78 away win against the Worcester Wolves after a recent poor run of form.

After a hotly contested first quarter, the Giants lead with a 23-17 advantage following a late scoring spree, despite the hosts enjoying an admirable 67% scoring from the field as well as bolstering greater numbers in assists and blocks.

At the end of the half, Cheshire were able to claw the Manchester lead back down to a one point deficit with the Giants heading into the break with a measly 37-36 lead.

The Nix were able to greatly reduce the Giant’s field goal percentage to a mere 26%, yet were still conceding a greater number of fouls and resulting free throws with the Giants netting four of their seven total shots from the charity stripe.

After a free-scoring third quarter, the Giants still held a slender two point 59-57 lead with Manchester edging the hosts in converted two and three point attempted shots, in spite of the Nix earning more trips to the free throw line.

With the shot and game clock ticking down, Cheshire would enjoy a brief scoring run before the Giants hit back to tie the game at 75-75.

A dramatic finish saw Cheshire’s star-studded Point Guard Kahron Ross scored a step-back two point shot that saw Phoenix snatch another vital home win.

Cheshire also made sure to remain active off the glass on both ends of the court, with a total of 15 rebounds that would ultimately play a vital role in seeing off their arch rivals before the eventual final buzzer.

Nix Guard Mike McCall Jr. finished the game with a total of 25 points (six rebounds, three assists and two steals) with Jalen Hayes also impressing with 14 points (nine rebounds and three assists) and Ross himself also scoring 14 points (four rebounds, five assists and two steals).

The Nix now move up to third in the BBL Standings, level on points with second placed Newcastle Eagles.

Cheshire face a tough away tie against runaway league leaders, Leicester Riders on the 24th, as the Nix hope to continue to build-up further momentum before going into the BBL Post-season.

(Photos courtesy of Adam Day Photography)

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