CHESHIRE PHOENIX RISE TO TAME LIONS ROAR IN BRITISH BASKETBALL LEAGUE TROPHY FINALS

Cheshire Phoenix avenged their buzzer beater heartbreak from 2023, to claim the British Basketball League Trophy at Birmingham’s Utilita Arena.

The Nix defeated the Lions with an incredible performance in front of a packed out Utilita Arena, coming from behind at half-time to score 53 second half points with an outstanding display at both ends of the court. It was a final to remember in the Second City, as the score twisted in both directions throughout, to the delight of an electric crowd inside the arena. 

Phoenix ensured they remained unbeaten throughout the entire tournament, including the group stages to cause pandemonium amongst a strong following from the North-West. Cheshire have been labelled the surprise package in the League this term and were thoroughly worth their triumph over a Lions side who sit top of the League Championship standings. 

LaQuincy Rideau scored a dramatic late basket to book Nix’s place in the Final and he once again lit up the court with an MVP performance that included leading the scoring with 28 points, nine rebounds and three assists. Elsewhere Aaron Rai also led the Nix charge with 26 points of his own to back-up his MVP performance in yesterday’s Semi-Final.

Cheshire Phoenix Head Coach Ben Thomas said:

“Credit to the League as an organisation for putting on such a great weekend. Credit to Leicester yesterday for pushing us right to the very end and making for some very good TV and credit again to the London Lions. They made us work for it today and I’m just so proud of our guys. We set out with a game plan in mind and we executed it, and we left it all out there and we’re champions because of it.”

“It’s hard hearing ‘David Sloan for three every game’, so we definitely had that extra bit of fire in our bellies about it. But since that loss, this club has been outperforming, probably where most people would put us, and this competition is just another example of that.”

Cheshire Phoenix Captain Maceo Jack said:

“Coach had a great game plan and an idea in mind of how we’re supposed to play and how we can beat them. I think we all did a great job with following what they had for us. Once we got on the court, guys were making extra effort, plays, rebounding, defence, and shots fell when they needed to. 

“I think it was a combination of all those things built together and then it ended up with us bringing home the Trophy, so it was a great experience.”

MVP and Phoenix star, LaQuincy Rideau said:

“We came in as a team and knew we had to play hard from the jump. We didn’t fold or get mad at each other. We just stayed together and finished out the game strong.” 

British Basketball League CEO Aaron Radin said:

“Birmingham is at the heart of British basketball and has been the scene of some incredible moments. It once again delivered with some great action across the weekend. The city has been home to Finals for over ten years and had three franchises in our history, the passion for basketball here is infectious. That was shown by the fans inside the arena who generated an electric atmosphere all weekend long. 

“London Lions and Cheshire Phoenix put on an amazing show for the fans in the arena and those watching across the world. Phoenix were phenomenal and congratulations to their entire organisation on taking home the Trophy. To go unbeaten throughout the competition is an incredible achievement. The Final was an outstanding way to round off a memorable weekend of British basketball.”

Earlier in the day, London Lions and Essex Rebels opened the curtain, as Rebels took to a major Final for the first time in their history. Lions, who are yet to be defeated in domestic or European action this season, showed their ruthless class as they collected a fourth successive Trophy Finals victory. Rebels more than showed the skill and desire that helped them make it to Birmingham and will look to use this as a starting point to return to more major finals. 

After scoring 15 points and eight rebounds, Women’s Trophy MVP Megan Gustafson said:

“I think confidence really comes from your teammates and everybody supporting you, and that’s what I felt from the start. I just want to credit everybody around me because I wouldn’t be able to be here, playing basketball, feeling healthy and good without them, so I’m just really excited. This is my first experience in the British Basketball League, and it’s been a great one so far.”

London Lions Women’s Head Coach Stella Kaltsidou said:

“It was a really nice game. Essex were really competitive on the floor for the whole game. I think we had a good game for the biggest part of it. Like always, when it’s a Final, it’s not easy to handle emotions when playing in front of a nice crowd, so I’m happy we were able to succeed and perform the way we did and take the Trophy home.”

London Lions Women’s captain Shanice Beckford-Norton said:

“We’re in women’s sports and being able to have the crowd that we did today and how much it’s grown; you’re seeing all types of people. You’re not just seeing kids that are looking to play basketball, You’re seeing older people who are inspired by us and everything we’re doing. 

“With the team that we have, being able to bring people from all over the world, it’s amazing that we’re able to come together and show that we can be a unit and really continue to push women’s basketball.”

About the British Basketball League

The British Basketball League, formed in 1987, is the leading men’s professional basketball league in the United Kingdom (UK) and represents the highest level of the professional game in the country, featuring players from around the UK, Europe, the United States and beyond. The League operates under the FIBA Europe Federation and is contested by 10 teams from major cities across the UK. Games can be watched on Sky Sports, NOW and Sky Sports’ YouTube channel in the UK; and on NBC RSN, NESN and YES Network in the U.S. Games can also be watched via the League’s own YouTube channel. 

The 10 British Basketball League franchises are:

• Bristol Flyers
• Caledonia Gladiators
• Cheshire Phoenix
• Leicester Riders
• London Lions
• Manchester Giants
• Seriös Group Newcastle Eagles
• Plymouth City Patriots
• B. Braun Sheffield Sharks
• Surrey Scorchers

The British Basketball League operates under an ownership structure, whereby the 10 franchises that comprise the League hold equal stakes. Alongside these franchises, Miami-based investment firm 777 Partners holds a 45% share. In addition, the League is comprised of an independent Management Board overseeing the implementation of the business plan and day-to-day running of the League.

For more information visit:

www.britishbasketballleague.com