Six games take place across the BBL this weekend including a titanic top of the table clash on BBC Sport on Friday night and the first leg of the second BBL Cup Semi-Final.
Friday 9 December 2016
(BBL CH) Bristol Flyers v Leeds Force, 7:30pm
(BBL CH) Leicester Riders v Newcastle Eagles, 7:45pm
Saturday 10 December 2016
(BBL CH) Surrey Scorchers v Glasgow Rocks, 7pm
Sunday 11 December 2016
(BBL CH) Leeds Force v Plymouth Raiders, 4pm
(BBL Cup) London Lions v Newcastle Eagles, 4pm
(BBL CH) Cheshire Phoenix v Manchester Giants, 5:30pm
Leicester Riders v Esh Group Eagles Newcastle
Details: Friday 09 December, Leicester Arena, 7:45pm – BBL Championship
*LIVE and for FREE on the BBC Sport website and app*
Summary: The top two in the league meet for the first time this season to renew their fierce rivalry of recent years, live on BBC Sport. Newcastle head into the game on the back of a loss against Plymouth, while Leicester defeated Bristol last time out having previously lost two on the bounce.
Last season: Riders 3-0 Eagles (4-1 all comps)
Joe Hart, Esh Group Eagles Newcastle guard – “I’m excited to be playing on the BBC after watching last week’s game between Bristol and Worcester.
“It seems like over the last couple of years Newcastle and Leicester have been the power houses of the league so I’m happy that I get to play apart in this rivalry.
“You’re going to see a hard fought game with a lot of focus put on the defensive end.”
Info pack.
Bristol Flyers v Leeds Force
Details: Friday 09 December, SGS Wise Arena, 7:30pm – BBL Championship
Summary: Leeds have never won in Bristol in their time in the BBL and head into the weekend rested and full of confidence after a record-breaking road victory last time out. The Flyers have lost 10 straight in the league, but will be hoping to get themselves going on their home floor.
Last season: Flyers 1-2 Force
Robert Sandoval, Leeds Force guard – “I think we have been building our confidence over the last couple of weeks and we are prepared to compete to get into a better position heading into the Christmas break.
“Bristol has just made a big pickup in (Aaron) Crosby and are looking to give us a good game and I am excited to face them on the road.”
Info pack.
Surrey Scorchers v Glasgow Rocks
Details: Saturday 10 December, Surrey Sports Park, 7pm – BBL Championship
Summary: Less than a week on from their BBL Cup Semi-Final battle over two legs, the two teams meet again in the league. Glasgow have now won 12 straight games in all competitions, while the Scorchers did win their last two before last weekend’s Cup double-header.
Season record: Rocks 1-0 Scorchers (3-0 all comps)
Jonny Bunyan, Glasgow Rocks guard – “It’s tricky facing a side three times in eight games, but we know how difficult a team Surrey are to face.”
Info pack.
Leeds Force v Plymouth Raiders
Details: Sunday 11 December, Carnegie Sports Centre, 4pm – BBL Championship
Summary: Both teams recorded impressive and timely victories last time out with Plymouth taking down the league leaders in a big win. Leeds put up 100+ points for their record tally and after facing Bristol on Friday, they return home looking for a double-winning weekend.
Last season: Force 1-2 Raiders
Robert Sandoval, Leeds Force guard – “It is going to be a tough matchup after playing Friday but I am looking forward to facing Plymouth at home.
“I think it comes down to preparation and focus. They are a talented team but we are looking forward to the challenge.”
Info pack.
London Lions v Esh Group Eagles Newcastle
Details: Sunday 11 December, Copper Box Arena, 4pm – BBL Cup Semi-Final, 1st Leg
Summary: Two teams who have made strong starts to the season meet for the third time as they battle for the right to play Glasgow Rocks in the BBL Cup Final. So far, it’s been the team on the road that has come out on top and the first leg could prove important leading into next week’s second leg at Sport Central.
Season record: Lions 1-1 Eagles
Joe Hart, Esh Group Eagles Newcastle guard – “With the Cup being only two games and not a playoff series, the first game is incredibly important. We will be looking to take game two to Newcastle with a lead.”
Info pack.
Cheshire Phoenix v Manchester Giants
Details: Sunday 11 December, Cheshire Oaks Arena, 5:30pm – BBL Championship
Summary: After bringing in two new additions, Cheshire have a third in the form of Frank Eaves as they look to improve upon their current 2-8 record. Meanwhile, the Giants saw their three-game win streak end with consecutive defeats to drop to 3-8.
Season record: Phoenix 0-0 Giants (1-0 all comps)