Cheshire Phoenix bounced back from last weekend's defeat at Plymouth Raiders to register a hugely important 89-88 success at Surrey Scorchers on Friday night.

With the BBL play-off race starting to hot up, Cheshire's success at Surrey, another team aspirations to make it to the post season, lifted them up to seventh and gave them the edge heading into the second of two back-to-back meetings with the Scorchers at the Cheshire Oaks Arena on Sunday (5.30pm).

But they suffered a late scare by Creon Raftopoulos's side on Friday, giving up a 14-point lead in the fourth quarter before clinging on to triumph by a single point.

Phoenix had been in charge for much of the contest before their hosts improved at the beginning of the final period, thanks in no small part to KC Ross-Miller's incredible 35-point performance.

Cheshire head coach John Lavery gives instructions to Danny Huffor and Akeem Ellis
Cheshire head coach John Lavery gives instructions to Danny Huffor and Akeem Ellis

The threat dissipated, however, when Akeem Ellis connected on two three-pointers, either side of another from team-mate David Aliu to establish that healthy lead.

But a 15-4 run sparked by Ross-Miller and energetic plays from Andreas Schreiber and Jordan Williams put the pressure back on the visitors.

Scorchers had earlier this month wiped out a 21-point fourth-quarter deficit to beat London Lions and another shock seemed to be on the cards.

But Ross-Miller was unable to add the game-winner to his showing and Scorchers slipped to a third loss in a row and Phoenix climbed to seventh.

Veteran club skipper Aliu finished with 20 points, eight rebound and five assists for the the Nix.