| Glasgow Rocks | 86 |
| Guildford Heat | 75 |
The Rocks will be looking for a similar result to last time they visited Leicester, when they arrive at the John Sandford Sports Centre to take on Jelson Homes DMU Leicester Riders, on Saturday evening. Sterling Davis' side came out 66-87 on top last time round, as they were led by guard duo, Rob Yanders (23 points) and Jessie Sapp (24 points). Sapp currently leads the league in assists, and the combination of the former Georgetown star and BBL veteran Yanders, is something that has impressed Riders supremo, Rob Paternostro: 'I was impressed with the Yanders-Sapp combination' he said: 'Both can score and more importantly, both can create for others which makes them difficult to defend. The Rocks have a lot of weapons and Sterling (Davis) does a very good job. They are well prepared and play hard.'
Since the loss to the Rocks, the Riders have won eight of their last ten games, and seven home games consecutively. Paternostro admitted that his team were under par that day, something they cannot afford to happen this time if they want to keep themselves in fourth spot, and win the head-to-head against the Rocks this season. He added: 'Last time we played, they were able to play any way they wanted, which left us in a lot of trouble. We were very disappointed in that game. We can't allow them to get too comfortable on offense, we have to make things difficult and not allow them to run their sets.'
Whilst the Rocks are currently riding high, in third place in the BBL Championship, last weekend’s result was far from desirable, as they were turned over by Cheshire Jets, the score line reading 59-88. With the Jets in fifth place, such a large winning margin could be considered a surprise, but Davis paid tribute to the Jets, and admitted that his own team had a 'complete off night'. He commented: 'Just a bad night all around, from shooting the basketball, to defense, but much deserved credit to the Jets who played extremely well.' The Rocks undoubtedly took out their frustration from that defeat on Tuesday evening, as they cruised past Marshall MK Lions 90-119.
Davis realises that the Riders were not on top form last time they played against his side, and is expecting a much more testing encounter this time round: 'It will be extremely tough' he added: 'We didn't see the Leicester team that I know they can be last time we played them. It was just a case of us playing really well and them having an off-night. We will be expecting a much tougher challenge this time round.'
Posted on 18 March, 2010
