CHESHIRE PHOENIX began their BBL Cup defence in style with an emphatic 93-64 triumph at Sheffield Sharks.

Defending BBL Cup champions Cheshire Phoenix enjoyed a convincing 64-93 win away at DBL Sharks Sheffield to get the competition underway.

BBL Cup, First Round

DBL Sharks Sheffield 64-93 Cheshire Phoenix (15-16, 31-47, 48-72)

Cheshire Phoenix advanced to the Quarter-Finals of the BBL Cup after a convincing win on the road at DBL Sharks Sheffield.-

Ben Thomas’ side will continue their title defence with a last eight tie at home to either Surrey Scorchers or Manchester Giants, who meet on Sunday.

Leading scorers – Dirk Williams 20, Leslee Smith 11, Matthew Martin 8 (Sharks) – Dii’jon Allen-Jordan 23, Momcilo Latinovic 16, Daniel Norl/Jimario Rivers 15 (Phoenix)

Turning point – Sheffield edged ahead at the start of the second, but the visitors began to heat up from 3-point range and forced their opponents into turnovers for easy scores as they put up 31 points in the period to take control. The lead moved past 20 points in the third and there was no way back.

Key stat – Cheshire started 10 of 13 from 3-point range and also came up with 25 points off of turnovers from the Sharks in a strong display at both ends of the floor.

Game hero – An impressive team display, but Allen-Jordan did a bit of everything for his side with 23 points, six rebounds, six assists and six steals in the win with four other players hitting double figures.

Box score.