NATURAL Flow Newcastle Eagles are hoping to take their fine BBL championship form into uni-ball trophy this weekend, as Tony Garbelotto and his team take on London Leopards in the quarter finals at the Skydome Arena in Coventry tomorrow, tip off 3.45 pm.
The two sides have met once already in the quarter final of a national competition this season when they clashed in the ntl National Cup - a game that Leopards won courtesy of a buzzer-beating Rashod Johnson basket. However, they have split their games in the BBL Championship with each club winning its home fixture.
Eagles' head coach Tony Garbelotto said: "The players are very focused and ready to play the Leopards yet again in another quarter final, which will probably be another very close game."
Tony Windless should be back to 100 per cent fitness again having successfully returned from injury for Eagles victory over Edinburgh Rocks at the Telewest Arena last week.
Additionally, Eagles are certain pleased with the extra preparation time that they have - they were originally scheduled to play BBL Championship game against Brighton Bears tomorrow night but that game has been rescheduled for next month - Thursday March 15 at the Telewest Arena.
Eagles fans wishing to follow their team in the uni-ball trophy, can get tickets from the BBL priced £8 adults, £5 children by calling (0121) 749 1355. Tickets will also be available on the day at Skydome Arena Box Office.
lThird placed Teesside Mohawks go into tomorrow's crucial Conference game against Worthing at Eston Sports Academy, 7.30pm tip off, knowing victory is essential if they are to stay in touch with the second placed visitors and leaders Plymouth.
With the Sussex outfit in breathtaking form recently, and almost unbeatable, the game is most eagerly awaited. Defeat would not be the end of the world for Tony Hanson's side but with a further three games - all away from home - against the same two sides, the points and confidence boost the win would provide are key to the championship run-in.
Mohawks will need to be wary of any backlash from Worthing who were rocked last week by four point home defeat at the hands of league leaders who opened up a six point gap over the Sussex club and eight points over Mohawks.
Mohawks club captain Neil Hopper recognised that Plymouth's victory was the wrong result from Mohawks' point of view saying: "It wasn't really the result we wanted but it's all still to play for. We've got to concentrate on beating Thunder on Saturday and still have to go to Plymouth again in a couple of weeks and meet Worthing twice more. The league will probably be decided over tomorrow night and those three games," said the 6ft 7in forward.
Another new signing is set to make his Mohawks debut in the game with former Teesside star Norman Francis renewing his acquaintance with the club.
The Leeds power forward who last played for the side three years ago before taking time out to establish his career teaching comes in for Michael James who has been snapped up by BBL giants Newcastle Eagles
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