Championship title race still alive, three Play-Off spots remain

The BBL Championship title is still alive following the penultimate week of action of the BBL regular season.

Leicester Riders kept their hopes alive with a weekend double after an emphatic 121-70 success at home to Worcester Wolves was followed by a 66-73 triumph on the road at Manchester Giants, in a result that ended the Giants’ benecos BBL Play-Offs aspirations.

London Lions had the chance to seal the title on Easter Monday, but fell to an 84-88 loss at home to Cheshire Phoenix with Daniel Norl netting 30 points to follow up a 28-point haul in the 102-80 victory over Manchester, on Friday.

“It was a huge game for the Lions with the league on the line, but it was a huge game for us as well,” said Phoenix head coach, Ben Thomas.

“It was all about handling the pressure and our guys did a great job. It’s exciting for the league for everything to be going down to the final weekend.”

Two more spots in the benecos BBL Play-Offs were secured this past weekend with London City Royals first to do so after they overcame DBL Sharks Sheffield 88-93 in overtime before clinching their spot by beating Radisson RED Glasgow Rocks, 78-70. The Rocks bounced back from the loss to seal their own place with a 72-84 success at Surrey Scorchers.

Plymouth Raiders are a win away from securing their place after edging out South-West rivals, Bristol Flyers 94-91 behind 25 points and 13 rebounds from Donte Nicholas. The Flyers had edged out Worcester in qn 88-92 win away from home with Justin Gray posting a double-double with 24 points and 10 rebounds.

Esh Group Eagles Newcastle had a comeback win on Friday night as they battled past Surrey for a 105-97 success in overtime with Rahmon Fletcher leading the way with 38 points and 10 assists, while Kyle Williams had 34 points off the bench.