By Ryan Gillham
Durham Wildcats look to close out their first BBL season in a positive way against play-off hopefuls Guildford Heat this weekend at Newton Aycliffe Leisure Centre.
The Wildcats lie at the bottom of the BBL table with the play offs out of their reach so they will be playing for pride in their three remaining fixtures.
Guildford Heat are looking to seal their place in the play offs this season but to do that they have to win two of their three games to guarantee their place.
The Wildcats form of late has been poor after suffering their 11th straight defeat to the hands of the Sheffield Sharks last Friday eveningas they went down 79-73 in what was a well fought game by Durham.
“We had a decent game against the Sharks,” said head coach Dave Elderkin.
“I was disappointed that we didn’t get back past them after a strong finish. We did a decent job against the guard trio of Jimmy Langhurst, Ryan Patton and Nate Reinking, but allowed Olu Babaloluand Mike Tuck too much freedom in the paint.”
Guildford Heat have been up and down in recent weeks after a tough loss to Worcester Wolves losing 85-77 before bouncing back to defeat Plymouth Raiders who lie third in the BBL standings. Although the Heat looks comfortable for a play-off spot they are not taking the Wildcats lightly.
“We’re not taking anything for granted until we have mathematically qualified for the play-offs,” said the head coach of Guildford Heat, Creon Raftopoulos. “It starts with an important game against Durham Wildcats and we won’t look further than them.”
News out of the Wildcats camp is that Mario Flaherty is been closely monitored for this weekend’s game after suffering an injury against Plymouth Raiders. “Our main concern ahead of the game is Mario’s fitness,” Dave Elderkin told the BBL website. “He took a hard hit to the hip and lower ribs during the recent game against Plymouth and aggravated it against the Sharks early in the third quarter. He hasn’t trained since and is being monitored on a day to day basis.
The game takes place at Newton Aycliffe Leisure Centre, tip-off 7.00pm Saturday 14th April. The tickets are priced at £5 for adults and £4 for children. For more information call the ticket hotline on 01325 300500.
Durham Wildcats have three remaining fixtures this season which are guaranteed to be an exciting finish to their first BBL campaign:
Saturday 14th April 2012, Home to Guildford Heat.
Saturday 21st April 2012, Home to Prestige Homes MK Lions.
Sunday 22nd April 2012, Away to Glasgow Rocks.