Royals, Giants into Trophy final four on weekend of double joy

Two of the four Semi-Finalists in the BBL Trophy have been confirmed, while it continues to look tight in the middle of the pack in the BBL Championship.

Manchester Giants enjoyed a double-winning weekend, starting with a memorable 71-89 triumph away at Esh Group Eagles Newcastle in the Trophy Quarter-Finals. 

Vlatko Granic netted 26 points as the Giants prevailed for the first time in 20 attempts against Newcastle before recording a 79-69 win over Bristol Flyers with a dominant finish in the fourth.

Leicester Riders made it four wins from four to start 2019 after overcoming Plymouth Raiders in an 88-82 victory, on BBC Sport. JR Holder had a joint team-high 19 points including two key scores down the stretch to help seal the win and lift the Riders into third.

London City Royals reached their first-ever BBL Semi-Final after beating Worthing Thunder 75-116 in the last eight. Wes Washpun scored 17 points on debut before posting a team-high 21 in a 79-66 success over Worcester Wolves to stay unbeaten in the league at home.

Bristol had started the weekend by ending a run of four straight defeats as Justin Gray netted the game-winner for a 62-61 victory over DBL Sharks Sheffield.

Meanwhile, that allowed London Lions to extend their lead at the top of the BBL Championship with a 79-94 win away at Worcester Wolves to complete the season sweep.

Also wrapping up a 3-0 head-to-head in the league were Cheshire Phoenix as they claimed an 83-89 success on the road against Surrey Scorchers to put themselves back amongst the top eight.