SOME you win, some you lose!

Cheshire Phoenix experienced a mixed weekend of action as their unbeaten Super League Basketball Trophy run came to a halt.

Ben Thomas’ side did make it two wins out of two in the competition with their 89-79 success over Manchester, however Sheffield Sharks edged to a thrilling 102-100 triumph on Sunday.

Marc Steutel’s Newcastle Eagles were the only team to win both of their games, with Caledonia Gladiators and Phoenix splitting theirs one apiece.

Bristol Flyers, Sheffield Sharks and Leicester Riders also won, as Manchester and London Lions still await their first wins of the new Super League Basketball campaign.

Turning to the Manchester contest first and the north-west derby usually tends to provide epic contests.

The rivalry was rekindled on Friday, with Phoenix drawing first blood this season on their way to an 89-79 win on the road.

With things tied up 44-44 at the break, it was a question of who would blink first in this intense showdown.

Manchester made their move early in the third as triples from Nicholas Lewis, Junior Madut and Nathan Cayo gave the home side a 55-51 advantage.

However, Cheshire countered immediately with an 8-0 spurt, followed by an 11-4 finish to the period to lead 71-64 heading into the fourth.

From there, Phoenix managed to move up a gear, leading by as many as 20 points to secure victory.

MVP for the Phoenix was Cam Holden, who bagged 25 points, with Cayo contributing 21 to Manchester’s tally.

Cheshire were looking to complete a double when they welcomed Sheffield to Ellesmere Port.

The previous weekend, Phoenix had opened their Trophy tilt with an 84-79 success over the Sharks.

It was Sheffield who came out on top on this occasion, though.

Prentiss Nixon took the individual acclaim as he exploded for 39 points in his side’s 102-100 road win.

Nixon went a jaw-dropping 14-our-of-18 from the field, pulling down seven boards and dishing out eight assists in a masterclass that left the Phoenix struggling for answers to slow the Sharks floor general.

Phoenix rallied exceptionally thanks to the support of their fanbase and had their chance in the final minutes to retake the lead but Sharks remained cool to gain revenge for their earlier loss.

Phoenix saw six players reach double figures, led by Tyreek Scott-Grayson with 18 points.

Next up for Cheshire is Sunday’s home clash with Newcastle Eagles.