MANCHESTER Giants go into their weekend off looking to regroup ahead of a trip to Leeds Force next Friday.

The Giants will be looking to bounce back after they went down 93-75 in a thrilling North West derby clash at high-flying Cheshire Phoenix on Sunday.

A brave Giants effort was not enough as a late Cheshire surge won an entertaining showdown.

The Giants, in front of a large travelling contingent, fought back from losing the first quarter 30-18 to go in at half-time just 49-45 down after a solid second period.

Coach Jeff Jones’ men were down by 67-60 going into the fourth and took the lead at 70-69 through Ben Eaves with just over five minutes to go.

But then the home side took control as the Giants ran out of steam to pull away in the dying minutes.

Eaves led the Giants' fight with 17 points and 15 rebounds, while Mike Bernard was also in top form with 16 points and seven boards.

Martyn Gayle scored 11 and Callum Jones and Ingus Bankevics 10 apiece.

US point guard Mike DiNunno led the Phoenix with a game-high 36 points in a top-notch display.

Jones said: "It was tough. They are a top team and we just ran out of gas in the end.

"We need a little help to come in and we will use the break we have now to regroup and come back stronger."

The Giants remain seventh in the British Basketball League ahead of their first league game against Leeds Force.