Top BBL four all pick up wins, Phoenix back to winning ways

There were wins for all of the top four in the BBL Championship as action returned this past weekend, while Cheshire Phoenix moved up to sixth as they ended their recent losing run.

London Lions moved to 17-2 at the top of the BBL Championship with a double-winning weekend at home. The Lions eased past Surrey Scorchers 93-79 behind 31 points from Justin Robinson before pulling away for a 115-91 victory over Manchester Giants on BBC Sport.

Cheshire Phoenix put a difficult February behind them and overcame a depleted roster to edge out London City Royals for an 88-82 victory. Dii'jon Allen-Jordan starred with 26 points and 12 rebounds in the win to lift Phoenix to sixth. The result ended the winning run of the Royals, who had taken their streak to nine following a 102-93 success over Plymouth Raiders, on Saturday.

"We've had a lot of rest which is needed as we have so many injuries and a sickness bug running through the team in the week leading up to the game," said Phoenix head coach, Ben Thomas.

"Everyone put in a massive shift, worked so hard at executing the game plan and most importantly we dominated the boards."

Esh Group Eagles Newcastle are beginning to settle into their new home with a third straight win at the Eagles Community Arena. The Eagles edged out Bristol Flyers 95-89 in a close tussle with Jeremy Smith top scoring with 20 points.

Meanwhile, Leicester Riders kept up the pressure on the Lions as they extended their winning run with an 80-85 victory on the road against Worcester Wolves with 21 points from Tim Williams.

Plymouth Raiders defeated Surrey Scorchers 108-89 to bounce back from Saturday's loss as Rashad Hassan put up 29 points and there was another near triple-double from Donte Nicholas as he recorded 16 points, 15 rebounds and nine assists.