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Cheshire Phoenix vs Glasgow Rocks – Preview

by Vlad Ionasc

Cheshire Phoenix will look to increase their winning streak to six when they’ll host the Glasgow Rocks at the Cheshire Oaks Arena on the 17th November.

The Nix won their previous encounter against the Rocks, 74-72. It was a close contest for the majority of the night, the Nix edged it as they closed the game a little better and snatched a priceless away win.

As a result of Glasgow’s loss to the Riders, Sunday’s game doesn’t mean as much anymore, as the Nix are locked into the 4th seed while the Rocks are locked into the 5th, meaning they’ll miss out on the BBL Cup Quarter-Finals while Cheshire will travel down to London to face the City Royals.

The Rocks don’t have anything to play for, however the Nix will have to remain cautious and professional as the Scottish side recently ended their losing streak with an emphatic 20-point victory against the Sheffield Sharks. Sunday’s guests have recently parted ways with Eli Pepper and Earl Russell so they won’t be able to count on their services against the Nix.

Despite the game’s lack of importance, Ben Thomas’ side will want to continue their winning run and sustain their momentum heading into the latter stages of the Cup. Ben Mockford and Jalen Hayes have been Phoenix’s most in-form players during the team’s five consecutive triumphs. The latter found himself in foul trouble early in Glasgow and wasn’t able to showcase his full capabilities but if Hayes can be more disciplined this time round, he can cause serious problems for the Scots.

Mockford has been on a tear ever since he joined the Nix, the guard is Phoenix’s leading scorer with 20 points-per-game. Coach Thomas will look for Mockford to have another 20 to 30 point outburst against the Rocks. The Nix will also be boosted by the availability of Momcilo Latinovic, who has fully recovered from the injury he picked up back in September. New signing Demonte Flannigan is also expected to make his debut on Sunday, the American forward can score and rebound at a high level so his availability will be a big plus for the Phoenix.

BRING THE NOISE! GO PHOENIX!

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