Surrey Scorchers travel to Sport Central for tonight’s BBL Championship clash with the Newcastle Eagles (7.30pm tip-off) and will have a point to prove with potentially two new faces in the roster following a busy week for Coach Creon Raftopoulos.
Newcastle Eagles vs Surrey Scorchers
BBL Championship
Friday 8th January 2016
7.30pm tip-off
Click here for tickets
The Opposition
Arguably the benchmark team for the rest of the BBL, Fabulous Flournoy's Eagles will be looking to secure a 7th play-off title this year to add to their glistening trophy cabinet.
One of the league's most decorated coaches, Flournoy kept the core of his title winning squad in hand over the summer, including former Heat shooting guard Andrew Lasker and forward Charles Smith, who goes into his 15th season with the north-east outfit.
The Ones to Watch
Veteran Smith is not one to be taken lightly. The 39 year old forward isn't showing any signs of slowing down after putting 652 points on the board for his side last season- his top scoring campaign to date.
R Fletcher is assisting well this season with a 4.94 per game average, while Scott Martin managed an impressive 26 points when the sides met at the start of the season.
The Roster
Scorchers welcomed Brits Alhaji-Allie Fullah and Jordan Williams into the squad this week to bolster Coach Creon’s options on court. Alhaji-Allie is expected to make his full debut tonight, while Jordan Williams is a doubt while we await international clearance.
The Form
Eagles are the only team in the BBL to have maintained a 100% league and cup record so far this season, continuing their excellent pedigree in British basketball.
A 32 point win in their only trip north at Glasgow Rocks rounded off an excellent 2015 for the Eagles, as they prepare for their BBL Cup Final against the Leicester Riders later this month.
Eagles last 5 games: WWWWW
There was little to celebrate over the Christmas and New Year period for Scorchers, as the side fell to 4 straight defeats which saw them fall out of the Play-off spots.
Coach Creon will be keen to see his side’s fortune turn around quickly as they head into a key period of fixtures in January and February.
Scorchers last 5 games: LLLLW
Coverage
There will be live coverage on the BBL LiveStats (click here) plus updates on the official Scorchers Twitter (@surreyscorchers).
Coach’s Corner
Listen to Coach Creon Raftopoulos react after a double defeat at the weekend as he thanks fans for a their ongoing support.
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