Marc Steutel expects a robust response from his beaten but unbowed Newcastle Eagles ahead of another big night of European action on Tyneside.

The men in black were second best at Surrey 89ers on Sunday — the second of three games in just five days.

But the mouthwatering Tuesday night clash against BK Opava represents the perfect opportunity to put that potentially damaging loss to bed and secure progress to the European North Basketball League playoffs.

“Our group has shown time and time again this season that they can respond to setbacks,” said Steutel.

“And a home tie in Europe with a playoff place at stake is an ideal chance for the players to put things right again.

“Let’s see if they can do it because everyone came away from Surrey disappointed with so many aspects of our game against the 89ers.

“Opava is a huge game. We have ambitions to go much further in the ENBL and we want to secure that quarter-final spot that we’ve worked so hard for.”

Newcastle take a 5-1 record into what promises to be a fascinating clash against the former Czech champions.

Victory for the Eagles will guarantee progress to the post-season with a game to spare.

But Opava must win to stay in the race for a top four spot after keeping their hopes alive with a dramatic 97-96 win against Valmiera last time out.

The visitors take to the Vertu Motors Arena floor on the back of a confidence-boosting win against Slavia Prague on Saturday.

And Steutel added: “They’re a team that’s very together and they play with multiple different defences which not many teams do.

“It’s going to be an interesting challenge against a team that’s fighting for its life in this competition.

“This is our last ENBL regular season home game and if fans haven’t experienced a European night yet then now’s the time.

“We’ve enjoyed some really memorable moments in the competition so far and we want to keep that going.”

Steutel was clearly frustrated in the wake of an alarmingly lacklustre display in Surrey — less than 48 hours after a thrilling homecourt win against Leicester.

And consistency remains the keyword for a roster en route to the SLB Trophy final in Birmingham later this month.

“This group knows that they have to find a way to be consistent,” agreed Newcastle’s head coach.

“I think they need to look at themselves after that Surrey performance and I’m sure they will. I’m expecting the right response to a very disappointing defeat.”

The Eagles headed south on Sunday without rookie De’Sean Allen-Eikens as the forward required treatment for a minor injury back on Tyneside.

The fan favourite faces a fresh fitness test ahead the Tuesday night tip-off (7.30pm) with Stuetel set to make a late call on this season’s breakout star.

Tickets for the Opava clash are available on the box office