Local bragging rights will be on offer on Friday evening, as Everton Tigers welcome local rivals Cheshire Jets to the Greenbank Academy.
With the Jets rivaling the Tigers for an end of season play-off berth and both sides arriving to the court in good form it promises to be an entertaining encounter.
The Tigers know they will be facing a backlash from the Jets as they try and get last weekend’s valiant BBL Cup Final defeat to Sheffield Sharks out of their system.
It was the Jets who triumphed 101-92 last time the two sides met at the Northgate arena earlier in the season so the Tigers know they have a score to settle with their North West neighbours.
Tigers fans will also get to have their first look at new signing and reigning BBL player of the year Trey Moore after finally receiving clearance to begin his career on Merseyside.
Head coach Tony Garbelotto expects the usual feisty encounter against the Jets, although he is unsure how their Cup Final loss will affect them:
“It is tough to say how we will match up with the Jets. On paper, Cheshire are bigger and have more depth.
“They are coming off a heart breaking cup final loss and it is tough to say how a team will react.
“Saying this, it is a derby and this is game two of the series, so I know that they will put everything into the game.”
He added: “Jets coach Paul Smith has done a tremendous job with this team this season. What is most impressive about what Paul has done is how many close games they have won - that is the sign of good coaching.”
Garbelotto also took the opportunity for an update on Everton's injury situation:
“James Jones is still two weeks away from playing. Kevin Bell is out for at least 4 weeks. We played with a lot of heart last Friday against a very good Leicester team. At the end almost every player was running on fumes. Jerome Gumbs and Darryl Bethune again stood out.”
Tickets are still available on the door and are priced at £10 adults, £5 for children. Fans are advised to arrive in good time to avoid disappointment.
Friday 22 January 2010 (7.30pm) @ Greenbank Sports Academy
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