Mac seeks response to big loss
NEWCASTLE Eagles fly into Surrey Sports Park tonight looking to return to winning ways and consolidate their top-four spot in the British Basketball League.
Their chances of lifting the league title this season all but disappeared last Friday night with a loss at home to Leicester.
The Riders defeated Newcastle 99-73 to leave head coach Ian MacLeod a disappointed man.
MacLeod was honest following the heavy defeat as he planned a week of practice for his charges before tonight’s game against Surrey Scorchers.
He said: “It was a disappointing night against Leicester.
“The game was won and lost on the defensive end.
“Offensively we did okay. We scored 73 points and you would expect to be in the game when you score that many - but defensively we were not tough enough.
“Riders scored 71% of their shots inside the two-point area.
“I can take that if we have players in foul trouble and are competing and trying to make big plays - but we didn’t and that is a combination we cannot have.
“We had elements of toughness but it was when we asked for it.
“It should not have to happen that way. It should come from within and be automatic and it has to be from the start - we have to have more at the defensive end.”
MacLeod added: “Whether you win a game or lose a one you can only do the next thing and that is move on and start preparing for the next one.
“We had to fight in practice, ask a few questions of some of the players and see who would stand up and be counted.
“A lot of what we need to sort out comes from within and having your switch always on and not just when it is asked or demanded of you.
“That is what we all need to do and what we have concentrated on this week in practice.”
The Scorchers are the team standing in the way of the Eagles returning to winning ways.
The southern outfit has had numerous personnel changes on the playing front - but MacLeod knows it is still going to be a tough game.
He went on: “It has been a great week of training, we competed like I wanted us too and worked hard. It is now about transferring that to the game.
“Surrey are a talented team who like to play fast and are capable of putting up big scores.”