The Lions trailed by three after the primary quarter however led 49-45 on the interval thanks to a few Tarik Phillip three-pointers.
Phoenix deep-threat Skyler White saved his aspect in contact from past the arc and Cheshire got here again to take the lead with a 12-0 run late within the third quarter after a succession of defensive stops, some scientific fast-break ending and a collection of free throws.
Lions level guard Jordan Taylor got here off the bench to chop the hole to 67-61 as time expired within the third quarter and nearly single-handedly turned an 11-point deficit right into a three-point benefit early within the fourth.
Nonetheless, Rideau hauled Chester again into an eight-point lead because the Lions went scoreless for practically 4 minutes within the closing interval and the Phoenix lead grew to become unassailable after a White effort from distance with simply over two minutes remaining.
Then named the Jets, the Chester franchise gained 4 straight BBL Trophy titles from 2001-04 and are actually just one behind Newcastle for many Trophy wins.
Rideau, who was named MVP within the closing, advised Sky Sports activities: “Going again to September all people doubted us – some had us down at eight or 9. I do know, I saved it.
“I knew what we had obtained, I consider in my workforce. We now have obtained an awesome group of followers, we love them. We’re not underdogs, we’re prime canines.”
Ben Thomas, Phoenix head coach, added: “After final yr, I’m so comfortable. I’m so comfortable we will win this for our followers.
“It feels so good. We knew we let that one slip (in 2023). Particularly in that second half we took it to them and left all of it on the market.”
Lions captain Taylor added: “They made their photographs and performed defence. They got here ready. We solely had 30-some factors within the second half – hats off to them.”
The Lions had booked their place within the closing on Saturday night time as they got here from 15 factors behind to see off defending champions Caledonia Gladiators 85-75. Josh Sharma led their comeback, scoring 19 factors off the bench, and Gabriel Olaseni collected 18 factors and 15 rebounds in lower than 18 minutes on courtroom.
Within the different semi-final, Rideau’s lay-up with six seconds remaining ensured Cheshire pipped Leicester Riders 92-91, having seen a 12-point lead clawed again late-on.
Aaryn Rai posted 27 factors with 11 rebounds, whereas Rideau’s recreation winner took him to fifteen factors so as to add his 13 assists.