It’s only a fortnight ago that Manchester Basketball strolled into the Vertu Arena and left with a comprehensive 120-93 win. It was their third win over Newcastle Eagles this season in the league series. The Eagles will get a chance though on Friday night to end that streak.

After a commanding 96-67 road win at Caledonia last Sunday, Head Coach Marc Steutel is looking to build on that as his side prepare to face Manchester once again on Friday night at home.

“We had a solid performance at Caledonia like we’ve had over these past eight, nine games. We had a tough loss to London and a tough loss to Manchester in that period, but I think we’ve had really good performances on the whole.”

“It’s about trying to live and breathe what makes a good performance from us. That’s when we’re connected, we’re defending with purpose defending really specifically with a smart tactical approach with what we want to achieve.”

“I thought the performance was positive and we continue to build on that.”

Steutel knows though it’s going to be tough against a very difficult opponent.

“Manchester is a different challenge as we know. There’s definitely been two out of the three games against them where the performance hasn’t been what we’d expect from our team.”

“I’ve made it clear to the guys that this is the last opportunity for us in the regular season to put a performance together against this that we’re proud of. It’s easier said than done. Manchester are flying high. We need to do a better job of slowing down their actions.”

“It’s easy for coaches, analysts, and media to say those things but there’s obviously a reason they are where they are. We’ll try and make sure we do a better job for more consistent periods and hopefully try and slow them down.”

One big bonus for Steutel and the team is the return to action after a length injury lay-off of GB International Josh Ward-Hibbert who played 15 minutes last Sunday netting 10 points and pulling down 5 rebounds.

“I was happy for Josh the team were happy for Josh who was proud to make a return. It’s a testament to the way in which he’s worked his diligence his professionalism. Josh is the main driver, and Josh is the one that should take the credit for getting back.”

“He’s had a lot of support from our performance team as well who have helped. I’m really really proud of Josh and it was great having him back out on the floor. It felt like a smooth transition back in.”

“We know it’s going to be different challenges moving forward now to continue to get him integrated and comfortable against different teams but we’re excited.”

It looks like it’s going to be another big crowd to back Steutel’s players on Friday night and that fact is not lost on a grateful Head Coach.

“The crowd is probably one I want to finish on. The crowd is everything. Having 70+ Newcastle fans up in Caledonia last week was just incredible. It felt like a home game for us with the noise that they made from even before the first ball was thrown up.”

“The longer that I do this I still don’t lose any feeling or take anything for granted for their support. We’ve got three home games left in the regular season, and we want to make sure that we give our fans performances that they are proud of.”

Tip-off in the Vertu Arena as always on a Friday night in another much-anticipated tough clash with Manchester is at 7:30pm.

Tickets are still available from the box office and on the door.