Scorchers face their biggest test of the season so far on Friday as they welcome the Leicester Riders, reigning BBL Champions, to Surrey Sports Park for a Christmas showdown.
The Riders have carried their form from last seasons title success into the new campaign with nine wins from their first ten games.
They defeated Newcastle in a BBL classic last Friday on BBC Sport, consolidating their position at the top of the table with a last-gasp basket giving them the victory.
Meanwhile Scorchers sit in seventh place in the league with six wins from 13 matches to start the season.
Scorchers Point Guard Tony Hicks believes that the ‘underdogs’ role is something the team is very familiar with and can take advantage of that on Friday night.
“I honestly feel like we’re the underdogs every game, and I have no problem with that.” said Hicks.
“I’ve been second my whole life, and that’s why I play and workout with the chip that I do now. It’s no problem for us. We just use it as fuel.”
Multiple Scorchers players have outlined that consistency is their biggest downfall in games.
The 23-year-old Hicks outlined the issue once more, and believes that Scorchers can take down the Champions if they execute from start to finish.
“We have more than enough to play good defence to win games and I think we have shown that to everybody in spurts. We just have to keep it together for 40 minutes in order to have a chance to win any game, not just this one.”
“They do play really good defence from what I’ve seen. We play our best basketball in transition with our athleticism and ability to space the floor and shoot threes.
“The key to getting out in transition is getting defensive stops. You can’t get out and run if you are always taking the ball out.”
“It is no secret that Leicester is the best team in the League. We all need to play at our best for 40 minutes.”
The Chicago-native is hoping for a Christmas cracker on Friday night with the Champions in town.
“I hope it will be a sellout. That would be a huge advantage because we have players that can make big plays that get the crowd involved and can ignite everyone on the team.”
Tickets for Scorchers next home game are on sale now!
Scorchers are set to hit the home court for the final time in 2017 this Friday evening when reigning BBL champs the Leicester Riders visit for a 7.30pm tip-off.
Click here to buy via our online box office now or call 01483 689111. Remember that tickets are cheaper when purchasing in advance rather than on the door and you can beat the queues.
Christmas Jumper Game
It's time to pull on your finest festive kits in aid of Save the Children!
The national Christmas Jumper Day may have been last week, but we are continuing the celebrations at Friday evening's game as we say Merry Christmas to all of our fans!
All proceeds will go to the charity Save the Children so please give what you can to a great cause.
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