Basketball: Leicester Riders aim to turn up the Heat in BBL Trophy clash
Leicester Riders go in search of another semi-final tonight when they face Surrey Heat in the BBL Trophy (7.30).
Having got one piece of silverware in the cabinet, Riders' appetite for winning more has not been lessened.
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"It's one thing about this group that has been impressive since day one of pre-season," said coach Rob Paternostro ahead of tonight's clash in Guildford.
"Their desire to win every time they take to the floor is tremendous.
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"These knock-out games are always fun, with that win-and-go-on or lose-and-you're-out drama.
"It's these types of games that players and fans really look forward to."
Jelson Homes DMU-backed Riders had last weekend off, so the last time they took to the court was their 88-58 demolition of Surrey at the John Sandford Centre 12 days ago.
However, that game has not been much use in preparation for this contest.
"You can't read anything into that," said Paternostro, who this week won the BBL coach of the month award for January.
"Yes, we played well, but they were without Chavis Holmes, who has been a standout player in the league this season and does so many things for them at both ends of the floor, and Frank Holmes only played limited minutes as well.
"They had a tough weekend, but they bounced back with an impressive win on the road at Worcester, so they look back to their best.
"Last time we went down there they beat us. It will be a tough night and we need to be at our best."
The weekend off was a welcome break from the hectic BBL campaign for Riders, but they are now champing at the bit to get back into action with back-to-back games. After tonight, they go straight into a league clash at home to Mersey Tigers.
Paternostro said: "It was nice to have a little rest with no games last weekend, plus we were able to get a good week of practice and focus on ourselves, and what we need to do to improve and become a better team."
The Trophy is a competition that Riders have traditionally struggled in, having only got past the opening stages just three times in the last 13 season, although they did reach the final in 2006.
Heat: C Holmes, F Holmes, Margai, Cricelli, Raftopoulos, Simek, Joseph, Seipt, Adams, McLemore, Lewis-Parry, Hughes, Swaine.
Riders: Okoro, Couisnard, Stewart, Sullivan, Calvo, Hopkins, Taylor, Anderson, Washington, Lamble, Haggith, Gould, Dawes, Maynard, Losonsky, Rowe.
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