Eagles will not be sitting back
SCHLITZER WANTS TEAM TO PLAY FOR VICTORY IN ‘DEAD RUBBER’ MATCH
NEWCASTLE Eagles got back to winning ways last Sunday with a powerful 94–66 victory at Manchester Giants, now they are preparing to face the same opposition this Friday at the Eagles Community Arena in their last BBL Cup North Group game.
The Eagles, who have already qualified for the quarter finals of the competition, will want to keep their season record in the positive as they look for their sixth win of the campaign. One of this season’s new Eagles, swingman Nick Schlitzer, assessed last weekend and looked forward to this.
“For sure it was pleasing to get back to winning ways. We went in looking for a win as we’d had a couple of tough games and losses so it felt good to get back on the winning track. But either way, it’s just about building week to week for us and that’s what is been like since the beginning.”
The Eagles dominated the entire 40 minutes both offensively and defensively and deservedly took the spoils. From the first tip they looked eager and ready and a 28-9 first 10 minutes virtually settled the outcome with 30 minutes still to play.
“Coach had said to us that it’s rare to get nine, 10 days to prepare for a game like we had before Sunday. But we used it wisely and we can out right away ready to go from the off so that was a really good sign and set us up for the rest of the game.”
So, with a big win on the road and facing the same opponent this Friday, many would see this almost as a dead rubber and somewhat of a formality for Newcastle. Schlitzer, however, is well aware that isn’t always the case in the BBL.
“No matter what’s going on it’s about us continuing to get better. Each game is important whether it’s affecting standings or not. So we’re just going to keep going, keep working hard this week and hopefully come out with the same plan on Friday.”
“You can’t take anything for granted in The BBL, anything can happen. You’ve got to come out and play each game to the best of your capabilities. Like I said, we’re just focusing on the process and not necessarily the outcome.”
The Eagles are only 1-3 on their own court so far this season and that’s a record they want to improve on this Friday in front of their loyal and faithful fans.
“We owe our fans a home victory for their great support. It’ll be nice to get back to our own arena and look to get that win to keep our momentum going.”
Tip-off against Manchester Giants on Friday will be at the usual time of 7.30pm and as ever, the Eagles will be looking to build on their win last time out.