North-west derby joy for Giants
BBL Championship
Manchester Giants 78 (22,44,60) (Jones 18, Toluwase 15, Okoro 14)
Cheshire Phoenix 68 (11,19,37) (Brown 24, Allen-Jordan 15, Eaves 10)
Manchester Giants secured their first win since November after beating Cheshire Phoenix in a 78-68 victory.
The Giants had lost their last 12 games since a run of three straight wins over two months ago, but improve to 4-17.
Callum Jones led the way with 18 points as well as 10 rebounds with Sam Toluwase adding 15 points, while Jerelle Okoro had 14.
The home side raced out of the blocks and back-to-back triples made it 18-7 in the first as they doubled Cheshire’s score for a dominant first period.
There was no let up in the second from Manchester as they went on a 15-2 run to start the quarter, going into half-time up 25.
The Giants remained in control in the third as they kept Cheshire at bay to lead by 23 heading into the final quarter. The damage had been done and despite a late surge from Phoenix, the home side were able to celebrate an impressive win.
The Trophy semi-finalists had 24 points from Earl Brown but are now 4-13 in the league.