The Friday Preview – BBL

There are six games taking place, with two match-ups this evening in the north-east. Durham Wildcats entertain Surrey United at Newton Aycliffe, whilst at Sport Central, Esh Group Eagles Newcastle will tussle with Plymouth University Raiders.

Durham head coach Lee Davie knows his team must take care of business if they want to continue competing for a play-off spot.

They are currently in ninth place, but must bridge a gap to make the kind of jump into the top eight which they crave and that means no slip-ups against teams lower in the table.

Wildcats recently had to work hard to take a ten point win at United and will want to get the same result again, particularly with a tough trip to the Copper Box Arena against London Lions lying in wait on Sunday.

“Yes, we need our guys to step up and take the fight to both teams this weekend,” confirmed Davie. We have two games in hand and we’re two wins from that precious eighth play-off spot.”

He continued “We just need to keep chipping away and I believe we’ll be right there at the end of the year.”

The Eagles meanwhile feel they are heading into something of the unknown against Raiders after the visitors continued making changes by dispensing with the popular Trevor Setty and then Shane Walker, who had been a regular starter.

“I don’t think I will be able to guess who is on their roster until they show up for the game,” mused Eagles’ player-coach Fab Flournoy.

“However, we know that they have a lot of talented individual players and Nick George seems to really be settling into a role there.

“It’s the start of a big month for us and we hope to have a full squad to choose from.”

The other game tonight looks to be an absolute cracker on paper, with BBL Championship leaders Worcester Wolves facing up to the resurgent and dangerous Cheshire Phoenix, fresh from their superb BBL Trophy win against Leicester Riders.

The last time Phoenix stepped out at the University of Worcester Arena, fans were treated to an overtime classic as the hosts dug out a thrilling victory.

John Lavery and his team also lock horns with Manchester Giants at Northgate Arena on Sunday in the north-west derby, a contest which is always an intense affair and played out in front of a raucous crowd.

Meanwhile the other BBL Championship clash this weekend sees Birmingham Knights search for what would be the biggest upset of the season to date when they face Leicester Riders tomorrow on their home floor, still searching for that elusive first victory.

Enjoy the games!

Story – BBL