Josh Wilcher says that Cheshire Phoenix’s convincing 103-83 win over Manchester Giants will count for nothing if they don’t use it as a platform on which to build.

It has been a season of disappointment on the court for the Nix in the British Basketball League (BBL), with head coach Colin O’Reilly’s men failing to spark and having to contend with a number of roster changes already.

Prior to the win over Manchester on Sunday at the Cheshire Oaks Arena, the Nix had lost eight of the opening 10 games and sat just one place above the bottom.

But, aided by some excellent team basketball and a telling contribution of 21 points from debutant American guard Frank Eaves, the Nix showed what they are capable of with a superb display.

And with Cheshire hosting rock-bottom Bristol Flyers on Sunday, Australian point guard Wilcher, who starred with a double-double of 14 points and 13 assists, believes it is time for the Nix to push on.

“I think we had a pretty good team performance but it means nothing if we don’t carry it forward and we have to bring it next week as well,” said Wilcher, who arrived in the summer.

“One of my best mates plays for Bristol, Mike Vigor, so it will be good to see him. They are in kind of the same position as us and trying to get some momentum. It’ll be a bit of a dogfight but I think we can get them.”

Earl Brown Jr racks up the points for Cheshire Phoenix in their win over Manchester Giants

Cheshire came out of the blocks in explosive fashion on Sunday, posting a phenomenal 41 points in the opening 10 minutes of the contest, pushing themselves out to a 21-point lead by its conclusion.

The Nix shared the ball far more than they have done in many games this season and reaped the rewards of their team basketball, something which delighted Wilcher.

The Aussie guard said: “I thought we were good and I thought we had stretches where we really put it to them and shared the ball well, which we haven’t in the last couple of games. It was good to see team basketball.

“Colin has driven home that we need each other a lot to score and be successful.

“I think it is easier when you rely on each other to score rather than do it yourself.”

Cheshire were supposed to be in BBL action tonight (Friday) at high-flying Newcastle Eagles but that clash has now been postponed due to the Eagles facing Leicester Riders in the BBL Cup.