The Heat's last game was an 88-64 defeat to Glasgow Rocks, but the weekend before, they sent player-coach Chad McKnight's former team, Jelson Homes DMU Leicester Riders, crashing out of the BBL Trophy, with a tight 72-74 win. McKnight explained the win as being largely down to the strength in depth that his side now have: 'I think my bench has gotten deep as the season has gone along , and definitely helped us win the trophy game in Leicester, and right now, we are at full strength' he said. He then commented on the Jets, adding the following: 'I think we will match up with the jets pretty good this weekend. Paul (Smith) is a good coach he makes the right decisions, which shows as he got his team to the Cup final. '

Fans can rightly expect a mouth-watering match up in this game, as the last encounter between the teams resulted in an exciting 85-84 win for Cheshire, who were led on the night by Chez Marks (25 points). The Heat were led by American Kenny Langhorne, who had 27 points, Paul Peterson and Mike Martin were both second top scorers for their team with 18 points each, and Stephen Gayle paced the Jets from the point guard position with 16 points personal, whilst McKnight had 14 points. It was a result which was pleasing for Smith, as he recalls: ''I was very proud of my team, they fought all the way and after being very down after the Essex Pirates defeat the night before, and arriving back at five o clock in the morning, I think this win is a tribute to their character.'

In a game that was neck and neck throughout, it was the fourth quarter that was full of drama, as the Heat had managed to hold onto their 15-16 lead with 2:30 to go in the first period until 1:55 left in the game. A Jets score broke that lead, as the home side took an 81-79 advantage. A dramatic last minute and thirty seconds then ensued, as the Jets' Stephen Gayle fouled Mike Martin, who made one of his two free throws. The Heat then stole the ball, with Julius Joseph breaking away to score and put them back in the lead. 'LA' Aaron Drakeford then fouled James Hamilton, as the BBL veteran knocked down just one of his two charity shots to tie scores at 82 a piece. Kenny Langhorne then stole the ball from his man, going full court for an unopposed layup to put Heat up 84-82, but Marks nailed the decisive three ball to leave the scores at 85-84 with 0.6 seconds left.