Look Who Is In The ‘NIX Nation’ House Tonight

Last season’s Cup victory not only ended Riders’ 12-year wait for silverware but led to Championship and Play-Off honours too.

Riders travel to in-form Cheshire Phoenix on Sunday as they begin their quest to win the one that eluded them last year, the BBL Trophy.

But while the Cup win has built up belief, Couisnard and his team-mates are aware they still have to work for every win.

He said: “After winning a championship such as the Cup, throughout the rest of the season you get a boost of confidence and will to succeed even more.

“But also, for a team like us, and with the guys we have returning, we know we have to put that win in our pockets and think about the next upcoming games.

“The BBL Cup doesn’t give us any free wins in its package so we know that we have to come out and play every game from here on out just as we have been doing all season.”

After a slow start, Phoenix have found pieces that fit and were unbeaten in six heading into the weekend.

Couisnard added: “Cheshire has finally got a stable team and they have some very good players.

“They’re talented at all positions and Victor Moses has been playing very well. But we have good players too so we are expecting a battle.”

Last time they met:

Leicester Riders 82 Cheshire Phoenix 71 (BBL Championship, John Sandford Centre, 09/11/2013)

What they say:

Phoenix coach John Lavery: “We will be focusing on what they do and don’t do well, but we need to get our stuff right first.

“Now we have the right chemistry, guys are gelling really well and working hard for each other. It’s nice to see them working as a unit and playing some fantastic basketball, and after a weekend off they are itching to get back.”

Riders coach Rob Paternostro: “Cheshire has been a talented team most of the season but I believe over the last few weeks they have become a much more balanced team. Victor Moses has been tremendous and Dominique Coleman and Reggie Middleton can be really explosive.”

For information about tickets visit www.cheshirephoenix.co.uk.