Leicester Riders turn their attention to Trophy action, heading to Newcastle to take on the Eagles in the first leg of the semi-finals.
The sides have shared the stage for some of the most consequential battles in British basketball over the past decade, as they now prepare once again to suit up in the biggest games of the season thus far.
READ MORE: Leicester Riders vs Newcastle Eagles- The history
The Riders and Eagles have established a reputation as not only two of countries’ premiere clubs in recent history, but this season as well.
Here’s how this mammoth fixture is shaping up…
Riders back on track
After going undefeated through the Trophy group phase in October, the Riders suffered their first two defeats of the season back to back against Sheffield Sharks three weeks ago.
The losses meant last weekend was pivotal for getting the season back on the rails ahead of a packed Christmas schedule, and a Trophy semi-final awaiting the team the following week.
The Riders responded emphatically with a 2-0 weekend, beating Manchester Basketball at home before holding on for an impressive win against Cheshire Phoenix on the road. The Riders look back to their best with the back-to-back wins, and their star power shining through in the weekend’s action.
Charles Thompson and Zach Jackson earned Super League Basketball Team of the Week honours from their performances.
Jackson led the team to a 99-86 win against Manchester with a 20 point performance, and Thompson’s efforts at the rim set the tone against Cheshire, logging 14 points, 13 rebounds, 3 blocks and a monster jam over Skyler White for the play of the game.
Now the Riders turn their attention to the red hot Eagles, with only one League loss to their name so far this season.
Eagles flying high
Newcastle progressed through their Trophy group with a 5-3 record, earning them second place in the North Group and a semi final against the Riders.
But since then, the Eagles have gone 4-1 to start their League campaign, with a number of impressive European victories in the ENBL to accompany their League record.
Newcastle enter this tie having won three Championship games on the bounce, most recently hanging on to beat the Cheshire Phoenix as the Riders did.
The win put them second in the League behind the London Lions, the only team to take a League win against Newcastle so far this season.
The Eagles’ success early in the year has come from ruthless efficiency from turnovers, leading the League in fastbreak points and field goal percentage. They play lock down defence in order to generate this offence, holding their opponents to the lowest field goal percentage in the League, and have generated the highest offensive rating on the other end.
Meanwhile Leicester, who play at the slowest pace of any team in British basketball, turn the ball over the least in the League, setting up an intriguing battle between a potent, halfcourt offence and highflying roadrunners.
One to watch
Newcastle’s Mike Okauru has shown his ability to take over games single-handedly in his introduction to British basketball this season.
He has a 35 point game to his name this season, draining 8 threes on his way to a season-high performance, and his averaging 18.4 points per game making him a top five scorer in Super League Basketball.
Okauru, a third year pro after spending his first two professional seasons in Czechia and France, has proven himself as an efficient scorer, and is knocking down his field goal at a 54% clip, and he’s a career best 40% from three.
The American guard’s threat is predicated on his drives to the rim, both in transition and the pick and roll. Leicester’s rim protection will be pivotal in slowing down his threat driving to the hoop.
His finishing ability opens up the three ball, which he is knocking down at a consistent rate this season, meaning the Riders will need to be locked in on 6’3” Okauru for all 40 minutes.
Where to watch
The game will be streamed live on DAZN, tipping off at 7:30 pm. You can watch it here!
