It took four quarters of regulation play and three periods of overtime to separate Leicester Riders and Manchester Giants on Wednesday night.

It was the Giants who dipped at the tape, winning the marathon BBL tie 123-125 in front of an enthralled crowd at Loughborough.

Manchester had won the last 11 games between the Northern Conference rivals - a streak lasting 32 months - but this victory for Andre Alleyne's side was surely their toughest.

The visitors had returning old boy Mark Robinson in uniform for the first time since he un-retired, and he watched as his team-mates fall victim to an inspired 13-2 burst in the fourth quarter from the Leicester.

It was nip and tuck for the next 29 minutes with Juston Phoenix twice proving a hero as he forced an additional period with crucial scores. But after his side edged in front late in the third extra session, the game was settled when Riders debutant Ralph Blalock saw his three pointer come up short at the buzzer.

Giants' guard Brian Reese finished with a game-high 39 points.

Manchester now travel to Newcastle on Friday hoping to strengthen their claim on a uni-ball Trophy quarter-final spot.