British basketball fans are predicting fireworks ahead of tonight’s must-see playoff match-up — as the Green party takes centre stage in Glasgow.

Seriös Group Newcastle Eagles take on Caledonia Gladiators north of the border in Game One of what promises to be a mouthwatering quarter-final series.

And all eyes will be on two of the most explosive players in the league as Tajh Green looks to upset homecourt hero Quade Green.

“Gladiators have got themselves a scoring guard who can also dish the ball,” said Newcastle’s Tajh.

“It’s the best of both worlds as far as they’re concerned. Quade Green can score 30 points if he needs to but if his team needs 10 assists then he can do that too.

“He’s a dangerous player who’s boosted their offence and he’s one of the guys we need to stop.

“As a starting point we need to contain Green, Patrick Whelan and Clifton Moore.

“Limit their touches and we’re halfway towards picking up a win this weekend.”

Quade Green leads the British Basketball League in scoring after bursting out of the blocks following his February move to Gladiators.

The Kentucky college star and G-Leaguer dropped 32 points on the Eagles at the Vertu Motors Arena last month as the visitors edged a Friday night thriller 90-84.

And Green is averaging 22 points and five assists across his last five Caledonia games — marking him out as the number one threat to Newcastle’s post-season hopes.

Not according to Eagles star Tajh.

“Quade Green’s a good player but, when you look at the talent on this team, we can only beat ourselves,” insisted the former Manchester favourite.

“If we play to our potential then we don’t need to worry about anyone else.

“As far as I’m concerned we’re one of the most exciting, fast-paced and athletic teams in the league and we’re built for playoff basketball.

“Our biggest problem is that we beat ourselves. Silly mistakes and mental lapses have cost us all season.”
Newcastle take an 18-18 regular season record into the playoffs after struggling for consistency from day one.

But Tajh added: “We’re a way better team than that .50 record. We just went through some ups and downs and were short of a few guys at key times.

“Having said that we rolled with the punches, pushed through and we made it to the playoffs.

“Now that we’re here we’re here to stay.”

Newcastle and Caledonia squared the league series 2-2 with both teams picking up big wins on the road.

And that’s why even the most experienced observers of UK hoops are loath to predict which team will progress to the Final Four.

“Right now everyone’s locked in and I think this is the most focused we’ve been all season,” added Tajh.

“Everybody’s really tight and we’re all feeling good about the best parts of our game.

“The key is putting it together for 40 minutes on the same night.

“We’re heading into the playoffs determined to push the pace and gain the greater number of possessions.

“That’s been our game all season but it’s the perfect approach for the playoffs.

“There’s no time to waste now. Our fast-paced approach is what makes us such a dangerous opponent in the playoffs.”

Tonight’s quarter-final opener tips off at 7.45pm with Game Two scheduled for the VMA in a week’s time. For tickets visit the Box Office.