Newcastle Eagles may have won seven straight BBL Championship games, but Drew Lasker and his team-mates know they must keep up this pace if they are to be at the top when it really matters.

Eagles latest success was a convincing 95-75 defeat of last year’s runners-up Sheffield Sharks, but Friday’s opponents Glasgow Rocks are in hot form themselves, having won four of their last five.

It may look like the league leaders have brought together their group fairly quickly, but Lasker insists there are improvements to be made, and Eagles won’t let up in pursuit of them.


“I wouldn’t say it has been a quick process as we are still working on our cohesiveness as a unit,” said Lasker.

“However, the results have gone our way and we are on a good run. We continue to get better every game because the coaching staff does a great job of making sure we don’t get complacent.

“We are an experienced group and realise that nothing is won in November so we must keep our foot on the gas.”


Glasgow’s accelerated climb up the table was kick-started by the signing of Great Britain international Kieron Achara.

But Lasker can see they have qualities all over the floor and believes slowing the Scottish side down on the break could be one of the keys to success on Friday.

Lasker added: “Glasgow is always a tough match-up regardless of the quality of their roster because it is a rivalry and local derby.

“They are a much-improved unit this season who come in as one of the hottest teams in the league.


“We will need to make sure we cut down on the big plays, which seem to give them momentum and confidence. We can cut down on the big plays by making sure we slow them down in transition.”

Last time they met:

Glasgow Rocks 84 Newcastle Eagles 89 (BBL Championship, Emirates Arena, 23/03/2014)

What they say:

Rocks player-coach Sterling Davis: “You have to be as consistent as possible with the Eagles. They really play in spurts, which we will need to limit and also handle their pressure.

“They are pretty well-balanced this season, as in others, with different guys stepping up on different nights.”