Manchester Basketball fell to the Cheshire Phoenix 77-82 in their opening game of the Super League Basketball Trophy.

The game came down to the clutch. The teams were tied with 2:06 minutes remaining before the visiting Phoenix made free throws down the stretch to win it.

Gabe Osabuohien led Manchester with 19 points and 6 rebounds, backed by Max Jones, who chipped in with 14.

It was a big night on the boards for  Kaiyem Cleary, who grabbed 8 rebounds. Cleary hit a go-ahead shot with 2:22 left, but it wasn’t enough for the hosts to take the win.

Cheshire’s Michael Diggins led the game with 20 points and 7 rebounds, but it was Laquincy Rideau who made foul shots in the final minute that won the game. He made four free throws and had a clutch steal with 27 seconds left.

It was a back-and-forth affair, with each side trading haymakers throughout the second half. Manchester were forced to battle back from a 16-point Cheshire lead in the third quarter, and did so, led by a seven-point burst from Jones.

That brought them within touching distance, and Manchester took their first lead since the opening quarter after a three from Jordan Johnson halfway through the fourth.

Manchester looked to be in control from there, but the Phoenix had one final retort and mounted a late charge to win the game.

The team now prepares for a road trip in the ENBL.

Manchester are in Iceland next time out, taking on Tindastoll in the ENBL. The game will be played on Tuesday, November 11, starting at 7:15 pm.

They next play at home against KB Prishtina, again in the ENBL, on Wednesday, November 19. That game will start at 7 pm at the National Basketball Performance Centre.

You can get tickets here!

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