Marc Steutel is convinced Newcastle Eagles will continue to play their part in a ‘wide open’ title race this season following another thrilling week of European action.

The Saturday night 2025 SLB Trophy Final dress rehearsal sees the men in black travel to Bristol for what promises to be a feisty affair against the Flyers.

And fourth-placed Newcastle are desperate to bounce back to winning ways on the domestic stage following last weekend’s drubbing at the hands of Surrey.

Tuesday’s confidence-boosting victory against BK Opava was more like it from the men in black but the Eagles have won just one of their last four league games.

“It’s crucial that we stay in contention in the Championship,” said Steutel. “Winning our league games is hugely important.

“Both teams are coming off tough losses on the road and we’ll both be fighting to fix our league records.

“As it stands the title race is still wide open and we have to ensure it stays that way.

“There’s still a lot of league basketball to play this season but we have to be at our best every week because it’s a tough, tough competition.

“I’m sure the way we played defensively for three quarters against Opava will have given the guys plenty of confidence and we’re excited to go down there.

“People might be looking at this weekend in the context of the Trophy final but I’m certain both teams will make plenty of adjustments before Birmingham.

“We need to be fully focused on taking two league points.”

All eyes will be on the Eagles’ line-up following the club’s capture of promising point guard Trey Pulliam this week.

Club officials are working to complete the playmaker’s paperwork in time for the Flyers clash.

But until the green-light is given, the US star may have to sit this weekend out and turn his attention to next Friday’s homecourt clash against league leaders London Lions.

“We are really excited to welcome Trey to our group,” said Steutel. “When looking to add to this roster — who I have full belief in — I want to make sure I’m bringing in the right person and the right player. We believe Trey is just that.

“He’s a talented, team-first point guard, who cares about winning and we are looking forward to getting him acclimated with our group.”

Hopes are high that Pulliam will be the missing piece of the jigsaw with the former San Diego State star renowned for his distribution and defensive skills.

Seven steals on debut for APOEL Nicosia last October gave Cypriot fans a glimpse of the Texan’s talent and his high-pressing style should suit Steutel’s gameplan.

Pulliam’s arrival will free the likes of Seneca Knight and De’Sean Allen-Eikens to have a greater impact in and around the basket.

And with the Flyers in his sights, the latter said: “We have to try and put the final to one side.

“But of course people will see this weekend’s game as a tune-up for Birmingham.

“It’s bound to mean there’s a bit more chippiness out there and I guess the closeness to the final makes it more than your average league game.

“It’s the first time we’ve seen Bristol since pre-season but we’ll be going head to head twice in two weeks. It’s like Leicester all over again so we know what we need to do.”

The clash tips off at 7.30pm and the action will be screened live and for free on DAZN.