‘This is like any game for us – all or nothing’: Rocks guard ready for Eagles

GLASGOW ROCKS guard Neil Watson says there is no additional weight of expectation on his side ahead of tonight’s vital trip to Newcastle Eagles.

Victory for the Scots would move them neck and neck with the Tyneside outfit in the fight for second place in the British Basketball League, with both still harbouring ambitions to overhaul leaders Leicester Riders.

However, every game for the past two months has felt like win or bust, Watson claims, with a four-game unbeaten spell suggesting the Rocks are up for the challenge.

“Obviously Newcastle is one of the best teams in the league,” the American said. “But this is like every other game for us – all or nothing. We’re in third, they’re in second. One game separates us. It could end up well for us to even things out or it could end up with them pulling away. So we’re looking forward to playing our game and trying to keep our winning streak going.

“Every game right now is a must-win for us. Hopefully Leicester mess up. It probably won’t happen. Hopefully Newcastle mess up. That’s unlikely as well. But we have to see them multiple times still and if you want to be the best, you have to beat the best.”

Leicester, with a sizeable cushion and an unbeaten streak dating back to early December, hold all the aces. Yet all three remaining championship contenders will face one another between now and when the finishing post is reached next month. Points will be dropped amid the round robin. Upsets happen. And Watson will use the insight gained in picking up the title while with the Riders last season to try and confound his former side. “I would enjoy it, not only because I’m a competitive guy,” the playmaker said.