Fuente: © FIBA (Federación Internacional de Basket)
http://www.fiba.org/

FIBA: ENG - EBL Div 1 Men: weekend preview

/noticias.info/ SHEFFIELD (EBL Div 1 Men) - The most intriguing fixture of a full EBL Division One programme on Saturday comes at Loddon Valley where Reading Rockets and Leopards meet in a dress rehearsal for next week's National Cup final.

Both sides defeated their semi-final opponents the week before the last four game, and will be looking for a repeat in order to gain the psychological advantage. Rockets have already won the two EBL Trophy games between the sides, though they will face new Leopards' guard Demetrice Williams for the first time.

Rockets coach Dave Titmuss is away at an international meeting in Madrid, so assistant coach Matt Johnson will take up the reins for this key fixture with Rockets trying to maintain their undefeated league status.

"I know, and have heard, folk talking about this being a rehearsal for the National Cup final next weekend, but let me assure you, the final is an absolutely different affair and we need to take each game at a time" said Johnson.

"This will be a significantly different game to our previous ones with Leopards and both teams will be keen for a victory tomorrow."

Leopards' coach Jon Burnell is also unconcerned about playing the Rockets a week before his side's biggest game in their young history.

"They would scout us the following day even if we weren't playing on Saturday" he said. "On the day we have to play better than them. You can't worry too much about the opposition, it's down to how the players perform on the day.

They have three good import players, and plenty of good English players around them who are prepared to do exactly what is needed.

Dave Timuss has the system right, and they will be tough to beat. Not many sides are going to win against them this season."

The Big Cats are also in action on Sunday when they host Leicester Riders at Wodson Park in the BBL Trophy.

For the third consecutive week, the Solent Stars men's first team will be facing unbeaten league opponents, and will be looking to end a run of three straight losses, when they travel to local Worthing Thunder.

It will be a return visit for Solent's main scoring threat, David Butterworth, who will also be celebrating his 23rd birthday.

Butterworth spent two seasons with Worthing while at college in Chichester.

Club captain, Mark Jackson, has been able to train this week after missing last week's match and, subject to no late reaction, will be in the Stars' line-up on the night.

He will be joined by Imran Shafiq, who has missed the last two games through injury.

Ryan Payne will hope to have overcome a niggling injury to join the squad who are expecting a severe test against one of the current leading teams in the EBL.

Coventry Crusaders coach Dip Donaldson will be looking to build on last week's win at London Capitals when they host Teesside Mohawks.

"I was pleased because we showed the character it takes to win on the road" he said.

"Playing away requires increased concentration and determination, and we kept that focus through the game, coming home with the win."

Nottingham Knights broke their duck against Division One opposition when they defeated King's Lynn last week, and will be looking for revenge when they travel to Manchester Magic on Saturday.

The in-form Magic have already beaten Knights this season, though it took overtime in their last meeting.

There is a top-of-the-table clash at Brunel University, with London United and Worcester Wolves meeting.

Both sides have beaten all opposition except Leopards this season, with United currently leading the table with a 100percent record.

At the other end of the table, London Capitals will travel to King's Lynn Fury looking to break their league duck.

The teams met twice in the EBL Trophy group stage, with Capitals winning both games, but since then the Neasden side have lost seven straight games.

Dave Ryan notas_de_prensa_archivo