Basketball: This is the BIG one for Leicester Riders
Since they were founded in April 1967, there has never been a bigger game for Leicester Riders than the one that faces them tonight.
Riders take on BBL champions Newcastle Eagles at the John Sandford Sports Centre (7.30) knowing that victory will put them on the brink of their first-ever league title.
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Leicester Riders coach Rob Paternostro
Leicester head into the match with a six-point cushion at the top of the table, but victory will not only move them eight points clear, it will give them the season series and with it the tiebreaker, should the teams finish level on points. It would effectively be a nine-point cushion with seven games to play.
Even for a club who, until this season, had never been in first place in the BBL Championship table after Christmas, that would be a seemingly unassailable position.
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"We're just trying to get as healthy and as well-rested as we can," said coach Rob Paternostro in the build-up to tonight's game.
"The teams know each other very well and the game will be similar to the last couple of games we've played.
"Both teams play well, both compete hard and it's what you look forward to at this time of year.
"We're at a stage now where every game is important because there are not many to go but, when you play the team you are competing against for the title, it carries a bit more importance."
Although that is typically understated for Leicester's most successful coach of all time, this is a chance to further enhance his legendary status at the club.
To do so, Riders will have to overcome their injury crisis.
Pavol Losonsky has not played since the BBL Trophy final due to a back injury, and Zaire Taylor missed Sunday's win against Plymouth after picking up a thigh injury against Surrey the previous day.
The decision on whether either will play will be made in the build-up to tip-off, while Jorge Calvo also played at the weekend with heavy strapping on his injured shoulder.
Despite these problems, Jelson Homes DMU-backed Riders head into the game in high spirits after an impressive double at the weekend, while Newcastle set an unwanted record by losing a fourth consecutive home game for the first time in more than a decade.
Riders: Okoro, Couisnard, Stewart, Sullivan, Calvo, Hopkins, Taylor, Anderson, Washington, Lamble, Haggith, Gould, Dawes, Maynard, Losonsky, Rowe.
Eagles: Nielsen, Huffman, Smith, Maddox, Madourie, Defoe, Ikhinmwin, Flournoy, Matthew, Martin, Chapman.
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