Cheshire Phoenix 76 (17,38,59) (Ellis 26, Williams 19, McGonagill 9)
Glasgow Rocks 78 (12,32,54) (Hall 25, Ware 22, Gillis 18)

Glasgow Rocks prevented a first league win for Cheshire Phoenix at their new arena after holding on to claim a 78-76 victory.

The visitors had trailed at the end of the first three quarters, heading into the fourth trailing by five, but a 12-2 start paved the way for their second win of the season.

Kieron Achara was limited to just over eight minutes on court, but there were sizeable contributions elsewhere as the trio of Will Hall, Marcus Ware and Warren Gillis combined for 65 of their team’s 78 points.

Hall finished with 25 points including some important scores in the fourth and added nine boards, while Ware posted a double-double of 22 points and 11 rebounds in coming off the bench with Gillis adding 18.

Phoenix, who were led by Akeem Ellis’ 26 points, almost snatched victory at the death having had a chance to win the game despite trailing 71-78 inside the final minute.

The home side had made the better start at the Cheshire Oaks Arena, on the back of three straight road wins, as they led 17-12 after the opening period.

Cheshire were able to narrowly increase their advantage heading into the half-time break at 38-32, but Glasgow kept themselves in contention by edging the third to trail 59-54 ahead of the final quarter.

The Rocks quickly built a five-point lead of their own with the dominant start and it proved pivotal as they managed to hold on to their advantage for the duration.

The lead reached seven points heading into the final minute on a score from Riley Grabau. Phoenix launched a late revival with a three from Ellis followed by two from debutant Kinu Rochford, but their efforts fell short.

After a tough reverse in Leicester on Saturday, the Rocks were able to come away from a difficult road double-header with a victory to move back to .500 as they sit on a 2-2 record.