Newcastle Eagles must focus on the fundamentals and forget about the scoreboard as a pivotal month of British basketball action gathers pace.

That’s the verdict of playcaller Marc Steutel as the Eagles welcome league leaders London Lions to the Vertu Motors Arena.

Inconsistency continues to dog a talented roster that’s lost four of its last five league games — at the same time as booking a Trophy final berth and a ENBL playoff spot.

Steutel wants the real Newcastle to stand up against London and said: “We need to continue to strive for consistency when it comes to the fundamentals of the game.

“Regardless of what the scoreboard is showing — and whether or not we’re up or down — we need to continue to play our way for longer periods.

“And that’s becoming a theme for us at the moment. We need to try and find a way to get out of that rut.”

From the outside a new-look Eagles team continues to over-achieve but expectations within the camp are way higher.

And Lions have opened up an eight-point lead over Newcastle in the Championship race — albeit having played two games more.

Steutel accepts it’s time to close the gap but warned: “Lions are a really disruptive and defensive team for sure.

“Of course, they boast their fair share of offensive talent in the shape of Aaryn Rai, Michael Brisker and Jaiden Delaire.

“They’ve shown their ability to shoot the ball but what they really are is a physical, defensive and disruptive side and we need to be ready for that type of basketball game.”

New face Trey Pulliam is expected to feature in both games this weekend with the Eagles due to face the Phoenix in Cheshire on Sunday.

And the point guard has already made his mark during a first full week of practice on Tyneside.

“It’s been a good week to try and get Trey acclimated,” added Steutel. “It’s always challenging coming in during mid-season but we’re used to getting guys up to speed.

“Trey’s shown some good stuff this week and his team-mates have helped him out on the court and off it.

“It’s been nice to have another four-day build up this week — which we haven’t had too often this season — and in that respect Trey coming in now has been well timed.

“He’s got two really good opportunities, with two good teams in front of him, to try and make an impact and prove his worth.”

This huge clash tips off at 7:30pm with remaining tickets available on the box office.

The action will also be screened live and for free on DAZN and YouTube.