Everton Tigers 85 (22,38,63) (Bell 24, Larkai 21, Jones 17)
Guildford Heat 79 (17,39,65) (Martin 25, McKnight 16, Langhorne/Joseph/Drakeford 11)
Everton Tigers landed their first league points of the new BBL season in a pulsating game that was also their first win at the Liverpol Arena.
The Tigers grabbed victory over Guildford Heat in the nail-biting closing minutes and ran-out winners at 85 to 79.
A James Jones three pointer and four quick fire points from new signing Kevin Bell saw the Tigers come from behind in the closing minutes.
Jones put the game beyond the Heat from the penalty line as the last few seconds ticked down.
The opening half was even between the two sides, with Everton guilty of some poor finishing in front of the basket, leaving the game poised 38-39 at the break.
The third quarter belonged to the Heat as they landed a series of three point attempts, with some indiscipline from the home side handing them several free throws.
But the Tigers hit top gear when it counted, hauling themselves back into contention with accurate shooting from range from James Jones and Andrew Thomson.
They led by one point going into the final period, and although they let that lead slip briefly, they had the momentum to claim a maiden Echo Arena win and get their league campaign up and running.
The win was crucial before facing two tough away trips next weekend, the first a local derby against Cheshire Jets, followed by a tough journey to last season's title winners Newcastle Eagles.
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