It’s another big game at the Vertu Motors Arena in Newcastle tonight as the Eagles take on Manchester Giants.
The Giants sit fourth in the BBL table with a 9 – 8 win-loss record whilst Newcastle are on 8 – 9 in seventh position.
A win for the Eagles would not only level the records of the two teams but would also give Newcastle the head-to-head in the 3-game league series. Both sides have beaten the other on their own court with January’s encounter in Newcastle being an absolute classic.
That went the way of the Eagles 113 – 111 in a thrilling game that went to overtime. Right now, Head Coach Ian MacLeod and his team would take that result again as it would get them back on the winning track after last week’s home defeat by Plymouth.
Shooting guard Wes Person Jr., who has been in red-hot form for Newcastle, currently averaging just over 15 points a game including hitting from 3-point range at 45% assessed the mood in the camp.
“It was disappointing to lose in the manner we did last week as we had been playing real well. Even in that game in the first half and up to the last four or five minutes of the third quarter we had a fifteen-point lead and everything was going our way.”
“We were executing the game plan but they got hot and went on a run and we couldn’t sustain it or contain them at the end so it was very disappointing to have a let down like that after the way we’d been playing.”
“Tonight, is about getting back to that high level of performance we’d reached. We’ve had a good week of preparation. Manchester is a really good team but we’re coming in prepared and we’ll be ready to play tonight.”
“Last time we played them it was a nail-biter with it being an overtime game and really high-scoring. It’s going to be a tough task to slow down the likes of Tyrick Armstrong who had forty points in that game who’s really good especially in the ball screen.”
“But we’ve prepped for that. We’ll try to throw some things at him to counter that and slow him down a bit. But we’ve got to be ready to defend everyone. They have a lot of different weapons and can put up a lot of points quickly. It’s going to be a tough to guard him and everyone.”
Not just league points on the line but that series decider and vying for a good play-off spot are also telling factors in what should be a great game. Person Jr. is well aware of that.
“The seedings right now is getting really competitive and there are a lot of teams right there in the mix so this is a very important game for us as far as the league goes. We’re definitely keying in on this one as we definitely need a win.”
One of the big factors that Person Jr. feels is in the Eagles favour is playing at home in front of the excellent Eagles fan-base. A fact he was keen to acknowledge.
“The support has been great and we’ve sold out the last few games and it’ll be close to another one tonight. We definitely feed off their energy. It’s been a very lively atmosphere and it’s really helped us get over the hump in a couple of those close games we won.”
“So, we’ll be expecting it again that the Eagles fans come out and be loud and supportive of us. We’ll be doing our very best to do our part and get the win for them.”
There are still a few tickets available for a game that will be shown live on Sky Sports Action (with subscription), Mix (free for Sky customers) and YouTube channel (free for all) and tips off at the Vertu Motors Arena at 7:30pm.
