It’s SLB play-off basketball on Friday night in the Vertu Arena. Newcastle Eagles going into a two-legged quarter-final tie against the regular season champions London Lions who have won three competitions already this season.

That included one against Eagles with a 74-68 win in The Trophy Final back on February 1^st. That’s one of six defeats from six matchups against the all-conquering Lions that Eagles have had to endure in three different competitions.

But this week has been about Head Coach Marc Steutel and his players trying to be in the best place physically and mentally to take on a really tough challenge as Steutel explained.

“We’ve had a really difficult time with health and that’s not just about the players you see that are unavailable not wearing a kit. It’s also the players that are trying to play through a lot.”

“Unfortunately, last weekend took its toll on a lot of players. Finishing the Bristol game with five almost healthy players out of the seven that dressed. This week has been all about trying to do all that we can to get healthy.”

“The medical team, the performance team have been exceptional going above and beyond for the team trying to get as many of them back on the court as we can. That’s ultimately been the biggest thing.”

So, how does Steutel feel his team needs to approach such a big game and tie?

“We have to be as close to perfect on Friday to cause them some challenges and try and put a performance together. My message to our group this week has been that we need to have accountability, and we need to have pride.”

“We need to make sure we give our fans a performance that they deserve. It feels with the current health situation like David versus Goliath.”

“London have a very clear defensive DNA. We need to make sure that we come out and play free we play Eagles basketball we play in a way where it’s about a next possession mentality.”

“We have to manage rhythm and flow in the game to be us and try to put a lot of emphasis on the level of performance on Friday. We know that Friday is half-time regardless. We’ve got to go to Crystal Palace on Sunday 7:00pm tip.”

Steutel concluded his thoughts on the play-off quarter-final tie by explaining how hard it has been to prepare his side and what in his opinion this stage of the season is all about.

“This week has just been about getting healthy which has been difficult. We’ve had to be really creative in practice this week whilst trying to build game-plan ideas and go from there but we’re looking forward to playing.”

“Play-off basketball probably has an extra edge an extra intensity an extra level of physicality. Our primary goal has to been to get healthy with the health challenges we have and put a performance together on Friday that everyone that is associated with our Club is proud of.”

“We’ll then reflect afterwards as it’s only half-time and see what we can do on Sunday.”

As is often said in any sport it is about one game at a time although it may well be a lot clearer to focus on that next game once the dust settles on the first leg that tips off in the Vertu Arena on Friday night at 7:30pm.

Tickets for tonight’s home leg are still available from the box office and on the door.