Surrey Scorchers face a big weekend ahead in the BBL.
The Scorchers travel to table-topping Newcastle looking to return to winning form before taking on the Manchester Giants on Sunday afternoon at Surrey Sports Park.
Newcastle have won their opening five games in the British Basketball League and show no signs of slowing down. Jaysean Paige has made a blistering start to his BBL career, averaging 26 points per game on 59% shooting through his first five matches.
The Scorchers travel to Newcastle having lost their previous three matches. Last weekend they were eliminated from the BBL Cup at the hands of the Sheffield Sharks, followed by a defeat at the death against Bristol Flyers at Surrey Sports Park.
Despite heading into the game as underdogs, Tayo Ogedengbe explained that the team have learnt from their mistakes.
“We have adjusted and moved on from the weekend so everyone is positive for the weekend challenges.
“Newcastle are the highest scoring team in the league so we have to focus on getting our defence right and on point to shut down their scorers.
“No changes will be made despite the tough run of results, issues have been addressed and we have made progress and are ready to return to winning ways.”
The Scorchers return to Surrey Sports Park on Sunday to take on bottom of the table Manchester Giants.
The northern side have won just one of their opening seven league games, however rookie Tony Hicks has shown no signs of complacency.
He said: “On Monday we sat down and really watched the film realising we have to be better. It’s the little things that have stopped us from closing out wins and getting stops on defence.
“You can’t really look at how a team has been playing in the past in this league. As we have all seen, anyone can beat anyone else on any given night.
“We just have to come ready to play Sunday regardless of what the outcome of Friday is.”
Hicks also understands that his role as the ball handler will have a big influence on the weekends proceedings.
He explained: “I know I can score. My job is to try and get everyone involved, that’s what Coach asks me to do so that’s what I focus on.
“Finding an offensive balance and keeping my teammates happy is what is most important to me as a point guard.”
Tickets are available for the visit of Manchester Giants to Surrey Sports Park here!
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