Talents starting to feel pressure

The Mountaineers may be littered with talent but some narrow losses are still playing on their minds.

Manylok Malek and Paul Aleer are on the cusp of NBL deals while NBA D-League import Jalil Abdul-Bassit is scoring for fun at the moment.

However, going into their round eight QBL game today against Brisbane Spartans, captain Cameron Weber said the effects of some narrow defeats are still lingering.

“We played all the northern teams first which is tough and when you look at your record and you’ve got more losses than wins it does start to play mind tricks on you,” he said.

The ‘Neers have lost by only a few points several times this season and their ability to close a game out has been on the agenda at training this week.

While close defeats cost them last season, the club is looking to its American import Jalil Abdul-Bassit as a source of inspiration in a bid to shut out the new QBL franchise today.

“There are a few thing we tried to resolve and one of those things is about experience,” Weber said.

“Some of the guys aren’t used to having to excel in times like this but Jalil said he was so surprised that in crunch times he feels very open and in a good mood.

“Some of us tighten up and don’t want to lose the game.”

The men tip-off at 7.15pm, the women at 5.15pm