Look Who Is In The House Tonight

United pushed perennial challengers One Health Sharks Sheffield all the way last weekend and will take the confidence gained from that performance, into their trip to Cheshire Phoenix on Sunday.

However, Kucinskas says they must also learn the lessons from their missed opportunities, principally at the free-throw line.

He said: “We played well against Sheffield however a few mistakes at this level are crucial, we got to the line a lot and unfortunately we weren’t able to knock them down.

“Hopefully the game against Sheffield will be a good booster for the team. We have proved that we can compete now all we have to do is to win.”

Surrey have looked a lot more like a winning team since the Lithuanian’s October arrival.

One of his first games was a visit to Northgate, so he knows about the challenge that lies ahead this weekend.

“I expect them to come out and play hard from the tip off and until the end of the game,” added Kucinskas.

“Last time we played Cheshire they ran the floor well. Had a lot of open looks and they shot well from three-point line.

“We know how we have to play against Cheshire. Now we just have to be prepared and come out to compete for four quarters.”

Last time they met:

Cheshire Phoenix 99 Surrey United 70 (BBL Championship, Northgate Arena, 27/10/2013)

What they say:

Phoenix coach John Lavery (pictured): “The Newcastle game shows that if we come and play for 40 minutes on both ends of the floor, we can compete with the so-called top teams in this league.

“Consistency is the difference. We played team basketball and tough defence for 40 minutes and executed down the stretch.”

United coach Jack Majewski: “Cheshire have a new inside player, which changes them completely.

“He was instrumental as they beat Newcastle last weekend and will change their zone so we will have be prepared for that.

“Brandon Mcgill has been fantastic for us, the steal of the century. He has been great for our team.”

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

Story – BBL