Another big night in the BBL Championship

Quote of the Week

Fab Flournoy still with only one defeat this season, Photo by Dave Moore.

It clearly isn’t just any other game, it is the Cup Final. However, what we strive to attain is a consistency of approach to every game. So in that way I hope that our guys will simply use it as an opportunity to put into practice what we have tried to do every game this season.Eagles’ Head Coach Fab Flournoy

Leeds Force v Plymouth University Raiders

Friday 09 January 2015
Carnegie Sports Arena – 7:30pm

Josh Wilcher has identified team defence as the key to turning confidence and self-belief into results for Plymouth Raiders.

Raiders travel to Leeds Force on Friday following a 95-90 home reverse against title-chasing Worcester Wolves last time out.

It was Plymouth’s seventh loss in their last nine outings, but of those defeats, five have been by seven or points or fewer, and many have been against some of the BBL’s best.

Wilcher and his team-mates therefore remain confident, but know where they must improve.

“It is hard when you lose a bunch of close games, especially against the top sides,” said Wilcher.

“But with us we are a very confident team, even though our record doesn’t do it justice at the minute, we still feel we can compete with anyone in the league.

“I think once we can get all of us working on the defensive end together we will start to come up with the right results.”

Raiders have achieved the right results, as far they are concerned, in each of their previous two games with Matt Newby’s men this season.

But the BBL newcomers’ development has accelerated somewhat since their last meeting in October, picking up three wins.

The latest of those was a dramatic success against Yorkshire rivals Sheffield Sharks, so Force will no doubt be on a high heading into this one.

Wilcher added: “Leeds match-up quite well against us.

“We have got the better of them both times this season but they have both been very close matches.

“They are well coached and play very hard so I think if we match their aggression and intensity then we will be able to get away with the win.”

Sheffield Sharks v Cheshire Phoenix

Friday 09 January 2015
EIS Sheffield – 7:30pm

Sharks’ Nick Lewis, Library photo

Nick Lewis sees Sheffield Sharks’ defeat to Leeds Force as nothing more than a blip, and a cue to refocus as the club seek to continue their climb up the table.

Prior to last Friday’s Yorkshire derby defeat, Atiba Lyons’ men had won five straight league games, sparking a surge up the standings following a slow start.

Sharks host Cheshire Phoenix this Friday and John Coffino’s side will be aiming to stretch their winning run into double figures.

But Lewis is confident, with Sharks still moving in the right direction.

“Friday was definitely not the outcome that we expected but we didn’t play anywhere near our potential,” said Lewis.

“I feel as if we’re getting things together and we’re going to have to write that one off as a blip, refocus on getting things back together.

“We definitely feel, and know, we’re a stronger team than the standings show.

“It was a pretty disappointing start for us and I feel that we could and should be higher than we are now in the table, we’re not where we should be, but we’re moving forward and hopefully we will start picking up some more wins.”

It could take something special to stop Phoenix, with a number of players in fine form – Mike DiNunno dropping 36 points in their latest success against Manchester Giants.

Sharks have already felled Phoenix this season however, and have a clear idea of what is required to stop them.

Lewis added: “Cheshire is a solid team, they have different guys who can score the ball and they play a fast paced game.

“They are one of the better teams in the league when it comes to transition so we’re going to look to slow them down and do our best defensively to secure the win.”

Worcester Wolves v Esh Group Eagles Newcastle

Friday 09 January 2015
University of Worcester Arena – 7:30pm

Worcester Wolves could give their BBL Championship challenge a real boost when they host Newcastle Eagles in a battle of the top two on Friday.

Jamal Williams feels both sides have improved since Wolves claimed the season curtain-raiser 86-81 at Sport Central as Robert Thurman made a big impression on his debut.

Eagles have not lost a game since then however, and sit top of the table, four points head of Paul James’ men with a game in hand.

But Wolves could take a big step towards the title, and make a real statement of intent with victory on Friday.

“There are no mental challenges, outside of any other game,” said Williams.

“Both teams will be ready for each other. We did get the first game on them, but they are a far better team now, and so are we

“This game on Friday would give us a great boost in many ways. Ending their winning streak, closing the gap between us, and taking the upper hand for a tie-breaker.”

As Eagles have racked up the wins, 19 in a row to be precise, Wolves too have performed well, coping admirably in the absence of star man Thurman over the Christmas period.

Williams attributes much of that to the arrival of Paul Guede, and feels such experience could benefit the team moving forward with Thurman now back in the line-up.

Williams added: “The addition of Paul Guede has been a major part for our success with Rob injured, his skill set and basketball IQ has made the transition very smooth for our team.

“To keep it rolling, more time together will help. In the short term, we need to continue moving the ball on offence, running our sets and getting stops on the other end.”

Wolves might also hope that Eagles have one eye on the BBL Cup Final against Glasgow Rocks, which takes place less than 48 hours later at Birmingham’s Barclaycard Arena.

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