Cheshire Phoenix captain David Aliu says that his side should not be underestimated after they reached the BBL Play-Off semi-final by toppling reigning champions Newcastle Eagles.

The Nix took a 13-point lead into the second leg clash at the Cheshire Oaks Arena on Sunday following a superb 104-91 success at Sport Central on Friday night and progressed to the final four despite a 96-87 loss to Newcastle on Sunday, winning the two-legged tie 191-187 on aggregate.

It had looked like the undoubted shock of the season may not happen when Newcastle took the lead on aggregate late on, but a vital steal by Quincy Taylor with 14 seconds left and some cool free-throw shooting from both he and Akeem Ellis helped the Nix send the 1,200 crowd into rapturous applause at the final buzzer.

The win sets Cheshire up with a two-legged semi-final with league champions Leicester, but veteran skipper Aliu believes that the tag of underdogs suits his side down to the ground.

He said: “We have been written off since the start of the season and nobody would have given us a chance against Newcastle. But write us off at your peril.

READ: Cheshire Phoenix into BBL Play-Off semi-final after toppling Newcastle Eagles

David Aliu in action for Cheshire Phoenix against Newcastle Eagles
David Aliu in action for Cheshire Phoenix against Newcastle Eagles

“Time and time again we have answered the critics and we are still standing and into the semi-finals. We’re playing well as a team and we’re still here and we have to believe that we can go all the way.

“I think that we’re starting to peak at the right time as a team. We have a lot of things that we need to work on in practice but I’m happy with where we are at and I’m proud of the team and what we have done these last couple of weeks.”

Cheshire host Leicester on Saturday (7.30pm) for the first leg before travelling to the LCS Arena on Sunday (5pm).

And with the crowd playing a huge factor in pulling the Nix through a sticky patch on Sunday, Aliu was quick to praise the impact that fan power has had in getting the team this far.

READ: From Toxteth to Kentucky, David Aliu speaks on a remarkable career in basketball

“If we get another crowd like that here on Saturday then we have a great chance as the atmosphere and the backing that they gave us just got us over the edge,” said Aliu, who hit 13 points off the bench on Sunday including two back-to-back triples to bring the Nix back into the tie.

“The crowd were amazing and they have been huge for us this season.”

And with the Nix facing the cream of British basketball for a shot at the BBL Play-Off final at the O2 Arena next month, Aliu has called for togetherness in the squad to help them cause another upset.

“Newcastle are a top team and they have always been one of the top teams in the league so just the fact that we have beaten them to get to the next round is a big confidence boost for us,” he said.

“Leicester have a good coach and great individual players but the key is for them is that they play together as a team. They have got depth and it will be tough for us over the two days. It can be done, though.”