Akeem Ellis says he and his Cheshire Phoenix team-mates are determined to get back to winning ways in the BBL after suffering back-to-back defeats.

After losing at home to Glasgow Rocks on October 11, the Nix were on the wrong end of a heavy 118-80 defeat at reigning champions and current league leaders Newcastle Eagles on Friday night.

Cheshire had led by one point after the first quarter at Sport Central but the Eagles clicked into top gear and dominated the visitors, who had Kinu Rochford hit 27 points and pull in 11 rebounds, for the remainder of the contest.

And with the Nix yet to win at their new Cheshire Oaks Arena home following two defeats, New Yorker Ellis, a summer signing from Canadian NBL side Brampton A’s, is acutely aware of just how important Sunday’s home clash with London Lions (5.30pm) is for the club.

Akeem Ellis
Akeem Ellis

“It was a very tough loss against well seasoned and well drilled team like Newcastle who kicked it up a notch and we didn’t match their intensity,” said Ellis, a graduate of NCAA Division One school Coppin State University.

“Costly turnovers and not getting back on defence is what killed us, and they did a good job of disrupting our offence.

“But if definitely has us really fired up for London. Losing those two games back to back like that isn’t a good feeling and we are ready to get back to our winning ways.”

The opening two games of the season have seen the Nix attract bumper crowds to their new home, with a near sell-out crowd of close to 1,400 turning out on both occasions.

And Ellis knows that in order to keep the fans coming back to watch the club, back in Ellesmere Port for the first season since 1993, winning their home games will be key.

Akeem Ellis in action for Cheshire Phoenix at Newcastle Eagles
Akeem Ellis in action for Cheshire Phoenix at Newcastle Eagles

“Sunday is really big for us.” said Ellis, whose Nix side have a 3-3 record in the BBL after a trio of wins on the road.

“We don’t want to lose our amazing fan base who supports us tremendously, so this is a big one that we must get, especially being in our new home gym.

“We have started really well and that’s why we want to keep progressing and taking steps forward. Our team goals are to get firing on all cylinders and bring as many trophies home as possible.”

A native of Brooklyn, New York, 25-year-old Ellis has proved a hit so far in the BBL and was named to their ‘All-Star Five’ in week four of the competition. He has shown himself to be a force at both ends of the court since arriving in the UK and is believes that they have only scratched the surface with the current roster and that the league will have to watch out when it all comes together.

“I am really enjoying it so far, I love being with the Nix and I still greatly appreciate that they wanted me to a part of this organisation,” said Ellis.

“It’s is so scary when I see this teams potential. The aim is to blossom into that dominant squad I know that we can be. We will be a force to reckoned with.”

The Nix will likely hand a debut to new signing Danny Huffor, who spent last season with Glasgow Rocks.