Scorchers picked up a crucial win 84-87 against the Cheshire Phoenix to confirm the club’s return to the BBL Play-Offs.
The game was nerve-racking for both sets of fans with a place in the playoffs hanging in the balance.
A scrappy game was won by some huge plays from Tony Hicks.
The BBL Player of the month scored 21 points, while Josh Steel added 17 from the bench.
Cheshire started the game well in front of their home crowd by surging out to an eight point lead in the first quarter.
Scorchers responded by pouring in 33 points in the second quarter to edge into the lead at half-time. Steel shot an impressive five for five from the field to claw Scorchers back into the game.
After the break it was Cheshire that once again held the driving seat. Some stellar defence from the home side allowed them to re-gain the lead by three points with ten minutes remaining.
Creon Raftopoulos’ side stepped up to the mark in the closing moments to ensure their playoff return. Tony Hicks stepped up to carry the team through the closing moments by making some huge baskets in the closing minutes.
The win confirms mathematically that the Surrey Scorchers are returning to the play-offs in May.
