Patriots keep play-off hopes alive by downing the Giants

A TOUGH road trip for the Plymouth City Patriots saw the South West side come away with a well-earned but controversial win at playoff rivals Manchester Giants this weekend, before they went down to defeat at the mighty London Lions.

-  PABLO CHEEKS

A rainy Thursday night in Manchester was to be the first of two away games for the Patriots in what was a must-win game, with both teams chasing the last play-off spot.

The Patriots played with a new found desire, connecting on the majority of the early exchanges and playing consistent basketball until the interval, managing a slender one-point lead at half-time.

After the interval, it was one way traffic. The Giants, with a reduced roster due to injury, couldn't find their way past the Patriots defence whilst at the other end, the visitors found their form once again.

Standout performances from Jacob Wiley (20pts/7reb/4ast) and Mason Faulkner (17pts/7reb/4ast) helped lead the way to an emphatic 93-79 victory over the Giants, although the match ended in controversey with a scuffle involving people from both sides.

A statement from the BBL released on Friday read: "Following an incident at the conclusion of last night's British Basketball League Championship game between Manchester Giants and Plymouth City Patriots, the League can confirm it has launched a full investigation.