Newcastle Eagles Men’s team go into Friday night’s home Super League Basketball (SLB) Championship game against fierce rivals Caledonia Gladiators in good heart.

That is because of their superb 94 – 68 win in the Vertu Arena against Bristol Flyers a week ago. That was a performance and occasion that really pleased head coach Marc Steutel.

“It was good to get back to playing at home in front of our own fans,” said Steutel.

“The atmosphere was electric and our fans did an incredible job of making the venue a hostile place for the opposition getting behind the team early and that gave us a real boost, and it was great to have that energy.

“The group took pride in building togetherness and our style of play and DNA. That’s going to be important across the trials and tribulations of the season.

“There’s going to be ups and downs in the season, but the togetherness will see us through the good times and the bad and hopefully that continues.”

Following a full week at home with uninterrupted practices Steutel is happy to his team are ready for their next clash.

“It’s positive to ramp up the guys as the week progresses and try to find a way to get better every day whilst still being the best version of us,” the head coach added.

“Also being able to get across key information about how we need to be successful against Caledonia each and every day as opposed to cramming everything in to just a couple of practice days.

“It’s been a positive week. The guys have took steps forward again found a way to really compete as always which is a positive so yes, it’s been a very good week.

The Eagles did play Caledonia in pre-season and came out of that game with an impressive 118 – 85 victory, but the Eagles know that the warm-up game does not have any bearing on their approach for the Friday tip-off.

“Preseason means nothing in any context in any game. It’s all about making sure we lock into the scout,” the play-caller continued.

“Gladiators have a very talented backcourt. We need to do all that we can to disrupt and limit them and make sure we don’t allow other players to impact the game.

“We have to stop them finding rhythm three’s and I think that’s going to be key. I think they have shown that they have some talent and they had a big opening home win over Liverpool which they’ll be excited about.

“We want to just continue to be the best version of us and stick to our DNA. If we do that do that, we hope we can continue to grow and be successful going forward.”

Early days obviously in the season but the faithful Eagles fans have liked what they have seen so far from their new side. There seems to be a real excitement about the team that Steutel and the franchise have put together and a real promise of more to come.

A further home win against Caledonia on Friday night would be a good way to show that promise and expectation to all watching. The game tips-off in the Vertu Arena at the usual time of 7:30pm.

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