MIXED outcomes marked the latest spot of action for the Cheshire Phoenix.

Ben Thomas’ side suffered their second Super League Basketball Trophy loss of the campaign in an 86-81 result at Caledonia Gladiators. However, Phoenix swept aside Manchester 116-85 in a comfortable success.

Cam Holden’s contribution in this win was 21 points, eight rebounds and six assists.

With a 6-2 record, Phoenix finish top of the North group and they will face Bristol Flyers, the South group runners-up, in the semi-finals.

The other last-four clash will be between Leicester Riders and Newcastle Eagles.

Other results: Sheffield 82 Newcastle 84; Manchester 87 Sheffield 68; Leicester 89 Surrey 76; Bristol 101 Leicester 105; London 81 Surrey 69; Leicester 76 London 62.

Super League Basketball has announced that Motorpoint Arena Nottingham will host the league’s inaugural cup final on March 9, 2025.

Phoenix have announced the return to the club of Larry Austin Jr. He first joined the club during the 2021-22 season, being named the BBL Trophy final MVP after the Nix defeated London Lions in the showpiece.

Austin Jr re-signed for the 2022-23 season, captaining the club back to the trophy final and the semi-finals of the play-offs.

Last season, he joined the Newcastle Eagles and he has returned to the Phoenix having also played in Turkey and Portugal.

Head coach Thomas told the club’s website: “Bringing Larry in will hopefully help us in areas we’ve struggled so far, his work rate, rebounding and defence will enhance the team and improve the consistency we need to ensure we continue to provide good results throughout the year.”