There was to be no equalling of a club record that has stood since 2001 for Cheshire Phoenix after they exited the BBL Trophy at the first hurdle following a 109-100 loss at Plymouth University Raiders on Sunday.

The Nix went into the game on a hot streak of 10 wins and needed just one more success to equal the club record for consecutive wins which was set by the all-conquering Chester Jets side of 2001/2002.

But in Devon head coach John Coffino's men came up against a Plymouth side that came to play, with both sides playing their part in a hugely entertaining offensive encounter where the three point shots were landed at an unbelievable rate.

Nine times out of 10, 100 points on the board would be enough to secure victory in a 40-minute BBL clash but at the Pavillions in front of the television cameras both teams found the hot hand from beyond the arc.

The Nix had started the game in bullish fashion and raced into a 22-6 lead against a Plymouth side that gave a debut to former Cheshire guard and Great Britain international Gareth Murray who has returned to the BBL following short spell with French side Challans.

But Raiders found their touch from long-range in a breathless encounter, hitting 11 three-pointers in the first half to move in front, taking that total to 16 by the buzzer with Brent Benson proving a particularly difficult customer for the Nix to guard from outside.

New signing Dustin Salisbery made his debut for the Nix after the American combo guard penned a deal with the club on Friday but he struggled to find his rhythm early on.

Coffino's side continued to battle but the Raiders didn't let up in their offensive game and kept the visitors at arms length for the second half.

Taylor King led the scoring for the Nix with 28 points while Jordan Clarke scored 28 points and had 10 rebounds for Jay Marriott's Raiders side, who now advance to the next round.

The Nix have the opportunity to bounce back when they travel to Yorkshire on Friday night for a BBL Championship clash with struggling Leeds Force (7.30pm) before hosting Sheffield Sharks at the Northgate Arena on Sunday (5.30pm).