Giant-killing Eagles face tougher task against Rocks

GOING in to Friday night’s game against Manchester Giants, the Newcastle Eagles knew that not only would they again be without top scorer Jaysean Paige but, Jamal Williams had also picked up an injury in training and was also out,

It made, potentially, what looked like a straight forward game against a team next to bottom of the BBL a trickier proposition, especially with Commonwealth Games returnee Drew Lasker also struggling to make any impact.

In the end, the Eagles coasted to an impressive and emphatic 99-68 win with point guard Saah Nimley netting 28 points and Danish international forward Zarko Jukic picking up a double-double of 24 points and 10 rebounds.

“We were a couple of men down, but I thought we stuck together well,” said Jukic. “We had a good week in practice and I thought those that were out there showed that, and we ulled it out well in the end.”

Next up for the Eagles is Glasgow away tonight and another tough away trip for Jukic and his team-mates as they look to win out in their three remaining games to cement their 2nd place in the BBL table.

“We lost up at Glasgow the last time we played, so we’re looking not just to get the win for our position but for revenge as well,” said Jukic.

On Friday, Manchester stuck with Newcastle early but once Nimley and Jukic got going the result was never in doubt.

“I think defensive intensity was the key to our win,” said Jukic. “We kept it somewhat consistent throughout. In the first half ,there was some plays here and there that we gave away, but we changed that second half and just pulled away on the back of our defence.”

“For sure we’re a much better team when we get our defence right and that is key to getting our offence in gear.”

The Eagles have already booked their play-off place and can look forward to contending for the last piece of silverware this season.

“I don’t think it matters who we get in the play-offs. It’s the best of two and you can’t focus on too much other than yourself and deal with whoever it is when you get there,” said Jukic.

“The best way to get ready and progress is simply to win every game and take them one at a time and see where it leads us.”