Everton Tigers are confident of their playoff chances as they go into their quarter final derby clash against Cheshire Jets on Sunday at the Northgate Arena.
The team have hit form in the final weeks of the regular campaign, posting four straight victories including a key derby defeat of the Jets two weeks ago.
Head coach Tony Garbelotto is confident of their chances of getting past Cheshire to the playoff semi-finals: “All our attention is on the huge task we have ahead of us on Sunday at the Northgate Arena. We beat them a couple of weeks ago so I am sure Paul Smith’s men will be waiting to get their revenge.
“But I feel as if we’re coming into a bit of form just at the right time and we have got most of our key guys off the treatment table and on the court. We know that on our day we can be beat anyone in this league and Cheshire know that too.”
The team have struggled for consistency this season but Garbelotto says the desire in the Tigers’ camp to end the season on a high and land some silverware is strong.
He added: “I know the guys will be desperate to finish off the season in the best way possible. We’re confident we can do that but we know we will have to execute our plays really well at both ends of the court.
“I was really pleased to finish off the regular season with two strong victories. The Rocks game was particularly good for us as it gave us a chance to sign off in front of our home fans and thank them for all their support over the course of the campaign.
“This quarter-final has all the marks of a great game and I want our travelling fans to make themselves heard as they always do. We will need as many of them there as possible to get behind us as I’m sure the home fans will be getting right behind their team.”
A victory for the Tigers would see them face league champions Newcastle Eagles in the two-legged semi-final, providing the Eagles see off Worthing Thunder. The Tigers would face the Sheffield Sharks in the event that Leicester upset Glasgow Rocks due to the seeding system in place for the semi-final draw.
Tickets for the game are available through the Cheshire Jets website: http://www.jetsbasketball.org.uk. Fans are advised to book early as the game is expected to be a sell out.
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