Focused Paige is ready to take on Giants
EAGLES’ HIGH-FLYING DEBUTANT ROCKS OPPOSITION FOR MVP
AFTER another stunning offensive display on Friday night when the Newcastle Eagles recorded a 119-104 win over Glasgow Rocks, they face a quick turnaround with a trip to Manchester Giants this evening, The deadly Eagles back-court duo of point guard Saah Nimley, who netted 37 points, and shooting guard Jaysean Paige, with 33 points, combined for a staggering 70-point tally during the Eagles’ 21st consecutive competitive win over their Scottish rivals. It was, however, Paige’s all-round game, which included seven steals, that edged him the MVP award on the night. Paige summed up his home debut and looked forward to the trip to Manchester. “I was happy with the win but we need to put it behind us and be ready to move on to another important road game on Sunday against Manchester,” he said. “I feel I played well but I was more satisfied with getting our first win at home and improving to 2-0. “I thought we played well as a team but need to improve a little more defensively to take the next steps together as a team.” Those sentiments were shared in the Eagles’ camp and, while a win is always the aim, sometimes the manner of the performance is also important. Head coach Fab Flournoy always takes pride in his team’s defence and conceding 104, albeit in a win, certainly gives him, his coaching team and the players something to work on in the early days of the season. Paige is aware of the fact after mentioning that in his assessment and as he looks forward to Manchester this evening.
He said: “We just need to focus on playing our brand of basketball and, doing what we need to do and doing it the right way, we will be just fine.”
The Eagles will return to Sport Central next Friday to face the impressive London Lions who have won their first three games of the season.
“It could be a classic match-up and an important early-season test for both teams.”
What will help the Eagles in that game is their superb home support, a factor Paige is very much aware of.
“There was a great atmosphere Sport Central on Friday,” he said.
“I want to thank all the fans for coming out and supporting us.
“Hopefully, they can keep it up throughout the season and give us that extra energy in a great environment as they did on Friday.”
Today’s match in Manchester tips-off at 5pm. at