Cheshire Phoenix finished off 2014 in style with a heart-pounding 84-75 win over London Lions – their eighth BBL Championship victory in a row.
In front of a sell-out crowd at the Northgate Arena on Sunday, the first quarter saw the Nix all out of sorts as a determined Lions side brought all of the spirit that carried them though Friday’s success against Worcester Wolves.
Cheshire tied the first period 22-22 before Vince Macaulay's visitors stretched out a commanding lead at the break. However, what followed was a comeback of epic proportions.
Mike DiNunno was key to Phoenix’s reinvigoration, causing all kinds of problems, splitting open the Lions’ defence with phenomenal pace and agility, and delivering like Santa Claus on Christmas night with inch-perfect passes to the rest of his teammates. Demond Watt also stepped up after the break, while Taylor King made the visitors pay from the free throw line.
London led 62-61 heading into the final 10 minutes, but Phoenix found another gear and capitalised on foul trouble for Makal Stibbins and Ian Salter to grab a memorable win and move level on points with second-placed Worcester Wolves.
“The crowd really got behind us, that all played a part,” said head coach John Coffino.
The Phoenix are next in action on Sunday, January 4 when Manchester Giants come to the Northgate.
