The Seriös Group Newcastle Eagles go into today’s Women’s British Basketball League fixture at Cardiff Met Archers assured of a place in the end of season playoffs.
Where they finish in the final standings will be decided by how they fare in their last two regular season games starting with today in Cardiff and finishing next Saturday night in The Vertu Motors Arena.
Win both and there’s an outside chance they could finish as high as fifth position and definitely seal sixth which would represent big progress this season. Lose both or even one and then they’ll be looking at other results in the final week of the regular season.
Today though they face an Archers side that has lost all 17 of their League games so far and went down 93 – 64 to The Eagles in Newcastle back in December. On paper it looks like an Eagles win should be nailed on.
However, nothing can be taken for granted and previewing the game ex-Archers point guard and now Newcastle’s on-court general mentioned that in her comments as she looked forward to returning to her former basketball home.
Saiki started by considering last weekend’s dramatic 71 – 67 win over Oaklands at home.
“Last week’s win was definitely a big one to secure a playoff spot but we have to finish the next 80 minutes of the regular season in the right way to put us in the best position to make a playoff run.”
“However, we have to take care of the first 40 despite Cardiff’s record and the rankings in the rankings in The League. In this league nothing is guaranteed and you have to earn every win so we can’t look past anyone.”
“We hope to build on the last win to finish strong with some momentum going into the playoff.”
Saiki who in her second season with Cardiff last campaign actually led the League in assists is once again dishing out decisive passes for her Eagles teammates to convert in style, assessed her team’s keys to the game.
“We have been striving all season to put together a full 40 minutes. If we can be disruptive on the defensive end and play together to find the advantages it should be a fun one!”
Saiki is understandably looking forward to be going back to her former stomping ground but is also mindful that she and her teammates have to do as she concluded.
“I’m excited to go back to where I had the opportunity to compete in a top league overseas, gain valuable experiences and make unforgettable memories that I will be forever grateful for.”
“However, I’m always looking forward to compete on the court no matter the opponents and will be focused on helping my teammates get a vital win to keep our push going as we look forward to the playoffs.”
There’s no doubt there’s a fresh feel around Saiki and her teammates at the moment and a togetherness to finish the season in the best way possible. That, hopefully, should all start this afternoon down in Cardiff.
