By Ryan Gillham
Durham Wildcats look to cause an upset this weekend as they welcome a strong Plymouth Raiders.
Raiders, side that currently lie fourth in the table with a record of 11-5, make the long trip up to the north east for back-to-back games, facing Newcastle Eagles on Friday night before travelling to Newton Aycliffe Leisure Centre on Saturday.
Both sides go into the week on the back of two losses after the Wildcats saw two defeats against Worcester Wolves and Mersey Tigers last weekend. Plymouth went into overtime against Newcastle Eagles last weekend but came up short as the Eagles powered on to win the game, so the Raiders will be looking for revenge on Friday. Plymouth also lost to Guildford Heat last Sunday.
Raiders will be looking to make another victory in the north east against the Wildcats after recording contrasting results. Gavin Love’s, head coach of the Raiders, had a comfortable 88-74 win in the BBL Cup first round in October, but a month later the Raiders were ran close in a game that ended in a 80-75 defeat for the Wildcats.
Dave Elderkin learnt a lot from the two games. He told the BBL website: “They have a real height advantage so we’ll have to pressure the ball more to combat that. We didn’t play badly when we lost by 13, and we improved in the league game, but it depends how we play on the day. Anthony Rowe played really well against us, Jeremy Bell was making his debut in the Cup game and had a good game and I have been impressed with Paul Williams in both games.”
The Plymouth Raiders head coach Gavin Love will not take the game this coming Saturday lightly. “Despite their record Durham are a well organised team who play hard and every team is dangerous in this league,” he said.
The game takes place this Saturday March 3 at the Newton Aycliffe Leisure Centre, 7pm tip-off. For more information or to buy tickets for the game see the Durham Wildcats website www.godurhamwildcats.com or call the ticket hotline on 01325 300500.