This Week’s GamesFriday 13 November 2015
CH 19:30 Glasgow Rocks v Leicester Riders
CH 19:30 Leeds Force v Surrey Scorchers
CH 19:30 London Lions v Manchester Giants
CH 19:00 Worcester Wolves v Cheshire Phoenix
Saturday 14 November 2015
Sunday 15 November 2015
CUP Quarter Finals 17:30 Cheshire Phoenix v Bristol Flyers
CH 17:00 Glasgow Rocks v London Lions
Esh Group Eagles Newcastle v Sheffield Sharks
Where and when:
Sport Central, 7.30pm Friday 13 November
Summary:
Sheffield Sharks stand between Esh Group Eagles Newcastle and extending their unbeaten start to the season to double-digit games.
Sharks travel to Sport Central for their second clash with the reigning champions this season, following a tough BBL Cup exit at the hands of the league’s other unbeaten team, Leicester Riders last time out.
But the likes of Jerrold Brooks and Antone Robinson continue to impress, giving Atiba Lyons’ side the belief that they could be the side to knock off Eagles, who are coming off a weekend without a game.
Last time they met:
Sheffield Sharks 78 Esh Group Eagles Newcastle 85 (BBL Championship, EIS Sheffield, 18 September 2015)
Form:
Eagles: WWWWWW
Sharks: LWWLWL
Three Points:
- Eagles have won each of the last nine meetings between these teams
- Eagles (93.13 points-per-game) and Sharks (87.0) are the two top-scoring teams in the BBL
- Jerrold Brooks and Antone Robinson are two of the BBL’s top two individual scorers so far this season
What they say:
Eagles player-coach Fab Flournoy: “[The weekend without a game] was an opportunity to reflect and look at ourselves a little bit. We had a very hectic start to the season and spent a lot of time focusing on opponents so it was nice to be able to assess ourselves for a change.
“[Sheffield] have also had a very tough series of games. They are an exciting offensive team and are becoming more cohesive each and every week.”
Tickets: www.newcastle-eagles.
Glasgow Rocks v Leicester Riders
Where and when:
Emirates Arena, 7.30pm Friday 13 November
Summary:
Leicester Riders demonstrated once more their ability to win games in different ways with victory against Sheffield Sharks last Sunday, and they may require more adjustments at Glasgow Rocks on Friday.
Riders outlasted Sharks to advance to the final four of the BBL Cup and extend their unbeaten start to the season to seven games.
One of those triumphs was a 64-60 success against Rocks, which the Glasgow club will be desperate to avenge having slipped to a 76-75 heart-breaker at Plymouth Raiders on Sunday.
Last time they met:
Leicester Riders 64 Glasgow Rocks 60 (BBL Championship, Loughborough, 10 October 2015)
Form:
Rocks: LWLLWL
Riders: WWWWWW
Three Points:
- Drew Sullivan requires one more offensive rebound to reach 500 in the BBL Championship
- Riders have won three of the last five meetings between these teams
- Riders and Rocks have two of the three best defences in terms of points conceded-per game, 60.17 and 75.88 respectively
What they say:
Riders forward Drew Sullivan: “The great thing about being back here in Leicester is that I have a great relationship with Rob (Paternostro, coach). We bounce ideas off each other, he’s very open to suggestions. There are things that we need to work on and we will do so in the coming weeks for sure.”
Rocks forward Marcus Ware: “The only positive thing we gained from Sunday [defeat against Raiders] was a wake up call to ourselves. We as a team have to be mentally prepared for each game and bring our own energy to the table and we’ll give ourselves a chance to win every game.
“We learned from the last game against Riders that we have to keep playing smart basketball each possession, taking what the defence gives us and limiting our turnovers going into the next game against at home.”
Tickets: www.glasgowrocks.co.
Worcester Wolves v Cheshire Phoenix
Where and when:
University of Worcester Arena, 7.30pm Friday 13 November
Summary:
Cheshire Phoenix and Worcester Wolves will both be out to get back on track when they meet in the BBL Championship on Friday.
Wolves’ run of four wins in a row came to and end, along with their BBL Cup challenge, with a defeat against London Lions on Friday.
Phoenix, meanwhile, were upset at home by Leeds Force, meaning they have now lost their last five, following a positive 3-1 start.
Last time they met:
Cheshire Phoenix 89 Worcester Wolves 75 (BBL Championship, Northgate Arena, 08 February 2015)
Form:
Wolves: LWWWWL
Phoenix: WLLLLL
Three Points:
- Ben Eaves needs just three more defensive rebounds to reach 500 in the BBL Championship
- Cheshire Phoenix are currently giving up more points-per-game than any other BBL team, 86.67
- Phoenix and Wolves have each won two of the last four meetings between these teams
What they say:
Wolves coach Paul James: “The main thing is that we didn’t play as a team [against London Lions] and that cost us. We didn’t create for each other or work as one unit and we paid the price.
“Cheshire seem to have some good talent on the team, but have not been consistent in their performances. They are a dangerous team if taken lightly.”
Phoenix coach John Lavery: “We have got to learn to close games out and be positive and strong down the stretch, and keep our turnovers to a minimum, they are the key aspects to us starting to pick up some wins. Until we do that, it’s going to be a long season, but I’m confident we are going to do it.
“Paul James has recruited well. He’s got Jay Couisnard, who has played in the BBL before, Ben Eaves, Pavol Lososnky. Disraeli Lufadeju is the only guy he kept from last year but all the pieces he has put around those guys seem to be working and they are a well-run team.
“They’ve had a great start to the campaign. We have just got to go there with confidence and take care of what we need to do.”
Tickets: worcesterwolves.org
Leeds Force v Surrey Scorchers
Where and when:
Carnegie Sports Centre, 7.30pm Friday 13 November
Summary:
Leeds Force go into Friday’s BBL Championship clash with Surrey Scorchers off the back of arguably their best weekend since joining the top-flight last season.
This was reflected in the All-Star Five selections of Louis Sayers and D’Andre Bullard following back-to-back wins against Plymouth Raiders and Cheshire Phoenix.
Those results lifted Leeds to fourth in the table, ahead of Scorchers, who were beaten by Bristol Flyers to make it two defeats from a run of three consecutive home games.
Last time they met:
Leeds Force 74 Surrey Scorchers 69 (BBL Championship, Carnegie Sports Centre, 09 October 2015)
Form:
Force: LLLLWW
Scorchers: LWLLWL
Three Points:
- Scorchers (15.17) and Force (14.3) are the top two teams in the BBL in terms of turnovers-per-game
- There were 10 lead changes in the previous meeting between these teams last month
- Force have won three of the four BBL meetings between these teams
What they say:
Force coach Matt Newby: “Maintaining this level of performance will still not be good enough if we have aspirations of a Play-off berth. We have to make a concerted effort to collect wins before the Christmas break and that means going up a level. Am I happy we collected two wins? Yes. Am I happy we are currently fourth in the league? Yes. However it’s still early and a number of teams are just finding their identity as we are.
“To retain the momentum we will have to be increasingly diligent, acknowledge the small details that can be determining factors and be committed to improve daily.
“In terms of personnel, Surrey are very well rounded. Creon (Raftopoulos, coach) has brought together a solid cohort for this campaign. When they last visited they played up-tempo in the full court and almost as quick in the half-court with a penetrate and pitch/dribble drive style that is pleasing to the eye.
“It helps they have a strong perimeter with genuine range and that certainly have you scrambling on defence if there is an initial breakdown.
“Tayo Ogedengbe continues to improve season-in, season-out and credit where credit’s due he has added to his game. Will Neighbour and Henry Wilkins offer a great deal but I understand that injuries are currently hampering both athletes’ contribution. Elvisi Dusha is a very competent guard with a lot to give and their imports seem like they are settling.
“We need to ensure we manage to control the controllable elements of the game, how hard we work, how well we communicate and how disciplined we are, those will dictate the outcome of the game and all are integral to executing our offensive scheme and defensive philosophy.”
Scorchers forward Andreas Schreiber: “We need to have composure going into the game against Leeds. They have constant pressure on defence and we cannot let that bother us. We need to stick to our principles, and believe in the system that we have in place.
“We need to limit our turnovers, rebound as a team, and we cannot let Louis Sayers get hot from three. I played with Louis when I was in Plymouth and he is a dead-eye sniper when he gets the hot hand. It will be a really interesting game, and we are very excited to bring it to their court again, hopefully with a taste of revenge in our mouth.”
Tickets: www.leedsforce.co.uk
London Lions v Manchester Giants
Where and when:
Copper Box Arena, 7.30pm Friday 13 November
Summary:
London Lions may have revenge on their mind when they welcome Manchester Giants to the Copper Box on Friday.
Giants inflicted the capital club’s only defeat in the last four games when they surprised Lions on their own floor just over two weeks ago.
Nigel Lloyd’s men bounced back with an impressive BBL Cup Quarter-Final win against Worcester Wolves while Giants defeat of Lions remains their only success in the last eight games.
Last time they met:
London Lions 82 Manchester Giants 90 (BBL Championship, Copper Box Arena, 29 October 2015)
Form:
Lions: LLWWLW
Giants: LLLLWL
Three Points:
- Nick Lewis could make his 100th BBL Championship appearance in this game
- Stef Gill needs just five more field goals to reach 500 in the BBL Championship
- These teams have split their last six meetings 3-3
What they say:
Lions forward Joe Ikhinmwin: “After taking the loss at home to them this was one game that got marked on the calendar straight away. Two weeks after that loss, we get a chance to avenge it. That is another big statement game and I think we’ve got to go into every game with the feeling it’s win or go home.”
Giants forward Nathan Schall: “London will come hungry for a win to make up for last time. They like to play quick and physical and they run the break well so I expect we’ll see a lot more of that. Having played us so recently I expect their defensive focus will be on key players for us, so we just need to play our game, keep mistakes to a minimum and not let them dictate the tempo.
Tickets: www.
Plymouth University Raiders v Worcester Wolves
Where and when:
Plymouth Pavilions, 7.30pm Saturday 14 November
Summary:
Plymouth Raiders enter the weekend hoping their second win of the BBL season does not take as long to arrive as their first.
A clutch three-pointer from player-coach Daryl Corletto downed Glasgow Rocks last Sunday to secure Raiders’ maiden success of the season, at the eighth attempt.
Wolves had no such trouble, winning six of their first seven BBL Championship games before falling to London Lions in the BBL Cup Quarter-Final last weekend.
Wolves host Cheshire Phoenix on Friday ahead of their journey south.
Last time they met:
Worcester Wolves 86 Plymouth Raiders 85 (BBL Championship, University of Worcester Arena, 06 March 2015)
Form:
Wolves: LWWWWL
Raiders: LLLLLW
Three Points:
- Raiders this week completed the double signing of Duane Bailey and Adrien Sturt following the release of BJ Anthony and Richie Edwards
- Wolves have won each of the last five BBL meetings between these teams
- Only Esh Group Eagles Newcastle have a better field-goal percentage than Wolves (53.67) while only Leeds Force converter a lower percentage of field goals than Raiders (45.05)
What they say:
Raiders forward Auryn Macmillan: “It was a missive relief more than anything [to secure first win]. In the grand scheme of things, it’s just one game, and won’t mean anything if we don’t use it as a spring board into the rest of the season. But it was great to show everyone that we are capable of winning games in this league, especially given how under manned we were and what a turbulent start we’ve had to the season; both on and off the court.
“It doesn’t change anything that we haven’t already addressed in the last few weeks, I think it is just the first sign of progress since we as a team started in our new direction with Daz (Daryl Corletto) as coach.
“I firmly believe that our focus at this point needs to be on continuing to develop our systems and culture. We’re making great progress in both those areas, but given we’re basically starting again from scratch with two new guys this week, there is still a long way to go. Beating Worcester is going to take 40 minutes of disciplined effort from all of our players and support staff, along with a great week of preparation in the lead-up.”
Wolves coach Paul James: “Plymouth have been searching for the right combination of players to get a performance and be competitive. They have made even more changes now so I’m sure in time that they will find whatever they are looking for in the team.”
Tickets: www.plymouthraiders.
Cheshire Phoenix v Bristol Flyers
Where and when:
Cheshire Oaks Arena, 5.30pm Sunday 15 November
Summary:
Cheshire Phoenix and Bristol Flyers meet for the second time this season on Sunday, but this time there is a place in the BBL Cup Semi-Finals at stake.
Phoenix were the victors when these sides clashed during the second weekend of the season, but have won just won of their six games since – prior to facing Worcester Wolves in league action on Friday.
Flyers, meanwhile, have won four of their last six, having waited until their fifth contest for a first win.
The reward for the winners of this one will be a two-legged last-four date with holders Esh Group Eagles Newcastle.
Last time they met:
Bristol Flyers 82 Cheshire Phoenix 90 (BBL Championship, WISE Basketball Arena, 26 September 2015)
Form:
Phoenix: WLLLLL
Flyers: WLWWLW
Three Points:
- These teams met in the BBL Trophy Quarter-Finals in 2014, and Phoenix prevailed 85-56
- Phoenix’s Jordan Williams leads the BBL in scoring with 21.3 points-per-game
- Phoenix’s Kinu Rochford and Flyers’ Daniel Edozie lead the league in rebounds per game with 12.2 and 10.9 respectively
What they say:
Phoenix coach John Lavery: “They brought in the new guy, Tyrone Lee, he has been putting up some impressive numbers. Cardell McFarland, the guard, is a tough PG and they have got the pieces that they had there last year.
“They have also got the BBL Coach of the Year from last year, they’re well organised, well drilled, they are a good, solid unit so it’s going to be a tough game.”
Flyers forward Daniel Edozie: “As a team, we’ve improved on learning how to play together.
“The addition of Tyrone along with his contributions has really helped the team even more, adding depth to the interior part of the team, which we need. We’ve had big moments that helped us boost our confidence and with individual players who make contributions to team, it helps in terms of team balance. We have to keep it going by continuing to focus on the main things that matter and by taking away what some teams do best.
“Offensively we continue to just play and learn to share the ball and be able to find where our weapons are.
“Honestly, we do not know what to expect from Cheshire. We’re a different team now so there’s more to be expected out of ourselves than our opponents. The only adjustment that we are more likely to make will be to come out with energy and play together as a team each quarter. These adjustments within the team will help us secure [our place in] the next round of the Cup as well as secure wins outside of the Cup.”
Tickets: www.cheshirephoenix.
Glasgow Rocks v London Lions
Where and when:
Emirates Arena, 5.00pm Sunday 15 November
Summary:
London Lions and Glasgow Rocks both complete weekend double-headers north of the border on Sunday.
Lions host Giants on Friday as they aim to build on their BBL Cup victory against high-flying Worcester Wolves by avenging their loss to Yorick Williams’ side last month.
Rocks welcome the unbeaten Leicester Riders to Emirates Arena on Friday hoping to shake off last weekend’s defeat at Plymouth Raiders before taking on the capital club.
Last time they met:
Glasgow Rocks 82 London Lions 85 (BBL Championship, Emirates Arena, 05 April 2015)
Form:
Rocks: LWLLWL
Lions: LLWWLW
Three Points:
- Rocks have won each of the previous four BBL meetings between these clubs
- Rocks rank bottom of the BBL in offensive rebounds-per-game with 7.5
- Lions’ Allie Fullah and Rocks’ Kieron Achara average 1.8 and 1.5 blocks-per-game respectively
What they say:
Lions forward Joe Ikhinmwin: “Glasgow is always a tough trip, they’ve always got a team in the top five. It’s a long trip, especially from London. I think that if we go there and play our game and do what we know we can do, we can come out of there with a win, which is obviously the goal for us.”
Rocks forward Marcus Ware: “We expect London to come in with energy. We understand that they have a big rotation of players so it’s important that we get off to a good start at the beginning of the game and carry it through for four quarters for our home crowd. It’s a good opportunity for us to get back on track.”
Tickets: www.glasgowrocks.co.
Manchester Giants v Esh Group Eagles Newcastle
Where and when:
Luccozade Powerleague Sportsdome, 6.00pm Sunday 15 November
Summary:
Manchester Giants face both of last season’s BBL Play-Off Finalists this weekend, hosting champions Esh Group Eagles Newcastle on Sunday.
Yorick Williams’ men have lost seven of their previous eight games, but return to the scene of the solitary triumph in that sequence to face London Lions on Friday before taking on Eagles.
Fab Flournoy’s side are coming off a weekend without a game, but are also in action on Friday night before this one, facing off against old rivals Sheffield Sharks.
Last time they met:
Esh Group Eagles Newcastle 107 Manchester Giants 97 (BBL Championship, Sport Central, 15 April 2015)
Form:
Giants: LLLLWL
Eagles: WWWWWW
Three Points:
- Since their return to the BBL in 2012, Giants have not beaten Eagles (nine attempts)
- Eagles forward Andrew Thomson is 13 rebounds short of 1,000 in the BBL Championship
- Giants are currently collecting fewer rebounds than any other team in the BBL, at 10.33 per game
What they say:
Giants forward Nathan Schall: “We have been a little inconsistent in our results, but on the whole as a unit we are getting stronger, which I think is key for us. Defensively, we have made a few mistakes in the past so that’s a big focus for us, but we know where we need to make the adjustments in our game, we’re going hard on the practice floor and we’ll be ready for the weekend.
“Newcastle is a game I’m looking forward to. They’re always sharp on defence, and on offence they punish you for every mistake and missed rotation. We are going into the game with a defensive focus. If we can stick to our assignments and targets we’ll be in good shape.”
Eagles player-coach Fab Flournoy: “I am sure Yorick will have his guys ready to play. I had the benefit of accumulating a lot of knowledge from playing for very talented coaches before I started coaching and I am sure that he is exactly the same.”
Tickets: www.