Four teams remain unbeaten after the second weekend of the regular season concluded.
London Lions continued their unbeaten run at the top with a dominant 115-74 victory over Manchester Giants with 23 points from Demonte Flannigan, while Justin Robinson added 19 points and 13 assists.
Mariusz Karol’s side were joined on 3-0 by their next opponents, Esh Group Eagles Newcastle as the North-East outfit completed a double-winning weekend in style.
The Eagles defeated Glasgow Rocks 119-104 on Friday night with Saah Nimley firing in 37 points, accompanied by 33 from Jaysean Paige before they eased to a 70-102 road victory at Manchester Giants.
A dramatic finish to the weekend came at Cheshire Oaks Arena as Malcolm Riley netted the game-winning three to hand Cheshire Phoenix an opening 82-80 triumph over Surrey Scorchers.
“I didn’t shoot the ball well tonight – I had missed my last three threes, but shooters have to shoot and I’m always thinking the next one is going in,” Riley said.
Cheshire had led by as many as 23 points with the visitors battling back to lead by five in the final minute before Riley’s heroics with Robert Sandoval finishing with 26 points on 90% shooting.
Another side picking up their first win were Plymouth Raiders as they held off Leeds Force 98-78 behind a 38-point display from Neil Watson, who fired in nine triples to help his side recover from a nine-point deficit in the third.
“I’m pleased to get the win, but not so pleased with the performance,” commented head coach Gavin Love.
“Neil Watson had an amazing game and Dylan Costelloe really changed the game for us, just heart and hustle.
“It was a good first return game for myself and the fans.”
Leeds dropped to 0-3 having also been beaten 98-71 away at Yorkshire rivals, DBL Sharks Sheffield on Friday night as Zach Gachette led the way with 21 points and seven assists.
Meanwhile, Leicester Riders recorded their second win with their defence setting the tone in a 79-59 success against Bristol Flyers with Pierre Hampton and JR Holder sharing 34 points in the victory.