Eagles eager to shake off losses - Jukic

ZARKO Jukic has called on the Newcastle Eagles to use their recent defeats as motivation against the Surrey Scorchers tonight, writes JEFF KING.

The Danish international showed his prowess at both ends in last week’s loss to the Glasgow Rocks, contributing a fine double-double of 15 points and 10 rebounds.

But Jukic (pictured), who has impressed in his first BBL season, would have happily swapped his individual stat line for a collective win as the Eagles slipped a second defeat in a row.

Newcastle host Surrey in a crucial BBL Trophy first-round clash tonight at Sport Central (tipoff at 7.30).

After two losses now on the bounce, the Eagles need to come back strongly – or the chance for another piece of silverware will slip through their grasp.

Jukic said: “Whenever you come off a loss you have a little extra motivation and we have done well in practice this week.

“We are looking forward to the game tonight. We have to get this win back.

“We know Surrey are a bit better as a team since last month when we beat them in the league at home but we know we can beat them.

“We have to go out there and follow our gameplan and play as well as we can and we should win.”

Jukic is looking forward to playing at Sport Central again after a busy couple of weeks.

The BBL rookie jetted out to Armenia to play for Denmark before coming back just in time for the ill-fated trip to Glasgow.

“Our fans are great and it’s always great to play in front of these fans and we have to get that win,” he said. “I think everyone is focused and everyone is ready for this game that’s for sure.”

Reflecting on last week’s loss to their Scottish rivals – Newcastle’s first to Glasgow in 22 games – Jukic admitted there is plenty to be improved upon against Surrey.

He said: “It was a tough loss at Glasgow, but you have to give them credit, I thought they played well.

“We did not stick too much to our game plan. We allowed them too many easy baskets and we allowed them to play their way and I thought we could have done more, especially defensively.”