Raiders captain – We can still win league

Plymouth captain Anthony Rowe says his side can still win the BBL this season, but they will have to be flawless to get past Newcastle.

The Raiders visit the current holders of the BBL Championship trophy, Mersey Tigers, on Friday looking to bounce back from last weekend’s 100-80 defeat against high-flying Worcester Wolves.

That loss was only their third league defeat of the season, although they were able to pick up a win over Sheffield on Sunday, which leaves them with a 10-3 record.

Rowe said: “I still think we can win it, but we can’t have too many more slip-ups as Newcastle are almost perfect. Worcester are a great team with a great programme, it just wasn’t our day on Saturday.”

Raiders have already beaten the Tigers twice this season, 102-82 and 101-84 with both games at Plymouth Pavilions.

Rowe added: We’ve played them twice at home and won comfortably both times. But they’re a well-coached team, and you have to respect Tony Garbelotto as a coach.

“They’ll play hard and be organised, and teams are always more comfortable at home. So we’ll be cautious but confident.”

Plymouth travel to Knowsley Leisure and Culture Park for a 7.30pm tip-off on Friday.