Play-off chasing Tees Valley Mohawks have a make or break weekend ahead which could shape the rest of their season.
After battling against relegation for much of the campaign, the EBL National League Division One outfit have returned to form and, remarkably, joined the race to extend their season.
Their winning run came to an end against high-flying Essex Leopards last weekend but they can nevertheless take heart from their performance against a team tipped as potential title winners.
Now they have a double dose of action to get stuck into, with a trip to fourth-placed Derby Trailblazers tomorrow (7.15pm) and a home clash with NASSA Neptunes at Teesside University’s Olympia Building on Sunday (4pm).
“It’s strange because this weekend results could really set our season up,” said head coach Steve Butler. “If we can get four valuable league points then we can push for a top five finish.
“But if we lose both matches, that really puts us back into the battle against relegation.”
Tomorrow’s hosts are coming off a disappointing run of results which included a shock defeat at the hands of Westminster last week.
“It is really crazy how close this season is,” said Butler. “It just shows that any team can beat anyone in this league on their given day.
“Last week third-placed Reading lost to bottom of the table NASSA while second-placed Derby were beaten by Westminster, who are second from bottom.
“These results weren’t in our favour but it shows you just can’t rely on any team beating anyone.”
Despite Derby’s defeat last week, Butler has told his side they must be on their guard.
“We need to play team basketball that has worked over the past couple of weeks,” he said.
“We need to knock their confidence early on and make them doubt themselves.”
Sunday’s visitors have hit a rich vein of form since the Christmas break and the main dangerman is likely to be Wayne Yeboah, who scored 35 points last week.
“No games are easy in this league and we need to execute offensively and reduce their main threats,” said Butler.
“Yeboah is in fine form and we need to address this and reduce his points as he is really making the team tick at the moment.”
Meanwhile Mohawks II are hoping to continue their fine form.
They beat Hull Wasps in overtime last weekend to climb out of the Division Three (North) relegation zone and visit City of Sheffield Saints tomorrow.
The Under-14s host York at the Olympia Building tomorrow (12.30pm).
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