Game Report: Cheshire Phoenix 83 – 67 Manchester Giants

The Cheshire Phoenix took advantage of the sleeping giants in a runaway North West Derby victory against the Manchester Giants in the British Basketball League.

Cheshire bounced back from this week’s loss to London, while Manchester failed to double down on an impressive display against Leicester.

Starting Five:

Cheshire Phoenix starting five: Laquincy Rideau,
Maceo Jack, Ethan Chargois, Cam Holden, Skyler White

Manchester Giants starting five: Jalen Harris, Jamell Anderson, Mason Bourcier, Austin Lawton, Evan Walshe

First Half:

Competing just 24 hours after a blockbuster victory over the Leicester Riders, the Manchester Giants arrived at the Cheshire Oaks Arena with understandably tired legs as they took on the Phoenix.

The fatigue showed in the opening minutes of the
first period, with a string of avoidable turnovers handing the Phoenix the
early momentum.

Cheshire took advantage, with captain Maceo
Jack getting off to a hot start to establish an early lead. Jack leading the
offence was all the more important considering the absence of September Player
of the Month, Aaryn Rai.

The Giants fought their way back into the game, however, committing to the hard defence that encouraged Cheshire’s mistakes early in the second quarter.

Of course, defence is only half of the battle, and despite their attempts to push the pace, Manchester struggled mightily through the first half on the offensive end. Their start to the game was especially disappointing, considering how efficient they’ve been on that side of the court to begin the season.

The Giants lead the league in turnovers, and the early stages of this contest demonstrated why they find themselves in such an undesirable position.

Cheshire’s dynamic duo stepped up enormously heading into the half, with LaQuincy Rideau incisively splitting the Giants’ defence open to find Jack for multiple open lay-ups.

A pair of triples from Skyler White was the cherry on top for the volume-shooting Phoenix, who took a 40-30 lead into the break.

A strong first half in the derby💪 pic.twitter.com/BpJdRGPvys

— Cheshire Phoenix (@CheshireNix) October 15, 2023

Second Half:

The Giants struggled to turn the tide early in the second, faced with an array of minor injuries which affected their rotation.

It was a strange night for Jamell Anderson. The veteran forward has averaged an impressive 17 points per game this season, but errors and spotty shooting worked against him at times tonight. A miracle rainbow three in the final minutes did round off a decent night in the scoring column, however.

After Saturday’s heroics from Jalen Harris and
Nicholas Lewis, the pair failed to replicate their performances against
Cheshire, combining for ten points between them.

Cam Holden’s overall contribution challenged
Manchester. The guard showed his versatility as the Phoenix lead grew.

Coach Semonian’s side came out swinging to start the final quarter and came close to bringing the deficit to single figures. Their hard play didn’t move the needle enough to make it a notable contest, however, and the sharp-shooting Phoenix were unmoved by their efforts.

Ben Thomas and his team controlled the pace down the stretch and took home the 83-67 win.

Player of the Game:

Manchester couldn’t contain tonight’s MVP, Maceo Jack, who drove the lane aggressively and offered an exterior threat in equal measure. He added six rebounds and a block to his dazzling 24-point display.

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