Play-off hopes on the line for duo

Durham’s outside hopes of reaching the play-offs in their debut season in the BBL could be on the line when they take on Cheshire Jets this weekend.

The Jets lie just outside the top eight with three wins from 12, while the Wildcats have managed just one win in 13 outings.

Head Coach Dave Elderkin knows the importance of Saturday’s match-up.

He said: “It’s a big game for us, and I hope we’re fit enough for it after Friday’s game at Milton Keynes. We beat them at home, but just lost when we went there, and they now have Matt Schneck back, as well. I understand they’ve also added Nathan Schall from Lions.”

The two sides met in November with the Wildcats picking up their first and only BBL championship win to date, 74-72, before the Jets gained revenge with a 93-90 win at Northgate Arena.

Jets’ coach John Lavery knows what his side have to do if they are to take what could prove to be a key victory.

He said: “When we went there we played badly in the first half and lost the game by one. When they came to the Northgate we dominated the game for three quarters but let them back in, in the fourth. So we need to close games out.

“They are a well coached team, with Ralph Bucci and Mike Capocci their key players.”