Darius Defoe believes the Newcastle Eagles are ready to bounce back from defeat when they return to European North Basketball League action against Spartak Pleven.

Marc Steutel’s side won their opening four games of the 2024/25 season, defeating Sheffield Sharks, Manchester Basketball and Caledonia Gladiators home and away in the Men’s Super League Basketball Trophy but have suffered back to back defeats to Cheshire Phoenix in their last two domestic matches.

The men in black welcome Bulgarian outfit Spartak Pleven for Tuesday night basketball at the Vertu Motors Arena, with Defoe insisting he and his teammates are ready to bounce back from their recent 90-69 defeat to Cheshire last week.

Defoe said: “All that we can do is try our best and put ourselves in the best position to win. It didn’t happen [against Cheshire] so we have to re-group. You can say a lot of things didn’t happen. The ball didn’t drop, whatever. But you know, at the end of the day, we just have to regroup and stick together. It’s a long season, we have to stick together and get ready again.

“There’s a big mentality in the whole group you know. That’s why the whole group always sticks together. This is a young team but also a professional team as well. We’re going to do whatever it takes to get the win and get it done.

“At the end of the day, we enjoy it. That’s what this club is here for – to play in Europe and also to compete in the league. We just have to find a way to adjust to play in Europe and the league.

“For Wednesday with the win in Slovakia, you can see we took steps forward into the game. We need to keep taking steps forward. So we came up short Cheshire but we have to regroup for Tuesday and then Saturday again. Games are coming really quick so we have to adjust on the flow.”

The summer brought change amongst the Eagles ranks, with plenty of new faces being brought in to help Steutel re-shape his roster ahead of a long season. But of course, the one face on the court that still remains is Defoe’s, who arrived on Tyneside way back in 2004. And it is that experience Defoe is using to help out his teammates this term.

“Me? I feel good,” added Defoe. “I’ve been using my experience and being here for the team – make them keep their heads up, give them lots of energy, that’s what I’m here for. And also be a leader.”

Tickets are still available on the box office and on the door. The game is also free to watch from our website powered by Matchday Live.