Manchester Basketball claimed victory over local rivals Cheshire Phoenix in the Super League Basketball Championship.

The 97-91 win against the Phoenix was led by 23 points and 6 rebounds from Kaiyem Cleary.

In 28 minutes off the bench, Jordan Johnson backed him up with 21 points, 7 assists and 7 rebounds, draining three triples from the backcourt, meanwhile Kayne Henry had a double-double in a dominant display on the boards, and Manchester had to battle back from down 15 after the opening quarter. Cheshire led by as many as 19 early in the third, before an impressive response from the hosts saw them scrap back into contention.

Cleary led the charge with 10 points in the third to cut the deficit to six points with one quarter to play.

It was a back and forth final period, but with five minutes remaining Manchester tied the game for the first time since the opening quarter with a bucket from Gabe Osabuohien. A Johnson three then snatched the lead with 2:26 left.

Johnson was lights out in the clutch, scoring 8 points in the final two and a half minutes to win the game late. His three with 35 seconds on the clock ultimately won the game.

Manchester improved to 4-4 in the SLB Championship standings with the win.

Manchester have a two week break from action before hitting the road to take on the Bristol Flyers. The game will be played at the SGS College Arena on Friday, December 5, at 7:30 pm.

Their next home game is in the ENBL, as Manchester play Czech side BK Opava on Tuesday, December 16, at 7:00 pm at the National Basketball Performance Centre.

You can get your tickets here!