CHESHIRE PHOENIX coach Ben Thomas says that recent history has added ‘fuel to the fire’ ahead of this weekend’s fixture double-header.

The in-form Nix travel to London Lions on Saturday for their BBL Trophy quarter-final clash, before they host Glasgow Rocks in a BBL Championship fixture a day later.

As well as setting the pace in the Championship with 14 wins from 16 this term, the Lions also lifted the BBL Cup last weekend by beating the Rocks 68-54 in the final at Birmingham Arena.

Thomas said: “Both defeats to London and Glasgow were games that could have gone either way.

“London beat us in a pretty close six-point game and we then lost in overtime to Glasgow at the start of the month, which was really gutting.

“All of that recent history adds some fuel to the fire and this weekend is another huge test for the players - but one we’re really looking forward to.

“London have a taste for silverware now after winning the cup and will be looking to challenge on all fronts.

“Glasgow are a team we know we can match in all areas and we feel like we owe them one for the way we were beaten so late in the game up there.”

Last weekend’s impressive 68-63 success at Bristol Flyers clinched a fourth successive victory and lifted the Nix into the top five of the Championship.

The impressive Jalen Hayes led the scoring for the Nix with 17 points, while Allen-Jordan posted a double-double of 13 points and 12 rebounds, to go with two assists and three steals.

“Since we made changes to the roster in late November we’ve gradually started to look a lot stronger and play like more of a team”, added Thomas.

“We’ve found form now and the winning mentality among this group has just got stronger and stronger as the season’s gone on.

“We’ll have to take our positive momentum down to London on Saturday and show the same discipline and quality we’ve shown in our recent performances.”

Tonight’s Championship action sees Bristol host Surrey Scorchers, Leicester Riders head to Sheffield Sharks, and Worcester Wolves entertain Newcastle Eagles.

The first Trophy quarter-final is also held tonight when Plymouth Raiders host Glasgow. Tomorrow’s sole league fixture sees Leicester host Manchester Giants, who host Worcester on Sunday, when Plymouth head to Surrey.