Mersey Tigers @ Durham Wildcats – BBL Championship preview

Despite a 32 point loss to the Worcester Wolves on Friday, it was a much improved performance from Coach Tony Walsh’s young side as they kept Coach Paul James’ team in sight over three quarters, before eventually succumbing to their opponents, 86-54.

A ‘baby step’ as guard Josh McGinn described it, was progress for a club who had previously been beaten by just under 48 points a night on average in their previous league fixtures and it gives Tigers fans increased hope of a victory in the coming months.

Arguably the Tigers best chance at registering their first victory of the season will come today, against last seasons bottom club, the Durham Wildcats, who have won only a single game so far this season, albeit an opening day 82-76 victory over last seasons third place Worcester Wolves.

Defeats to the Newcastle Eagles (99-75) and One Health Sheffield Sharks (74-58) show that there is still work to be done in Durham but losing their three other games by an average of only six points is a healthy sign that Coach Elderkin’s Wildcats have made big strides this year.

A key for the Wildcats against the Tigers today will be to get into the paint, where the Tigers are at their weakest, giving up around 45% of their points for the season. The danger for the Tigers will be that if their defence collapses to stop shots within 10 feet, the ball may find it’s way into the hands of sharp shooter, Mike Baldarelli, on the perimeter who has been deadly from down town this season.

For the Tigers, a strong start to the game is needed having regularly flirted with going behind by double digits in the opening 3:30 of the majority of their games. Mersey’s slow starts mean they lead the league in ‘lowest points per first quarter’ at 13. Coach Walsh will instead be hoping for production similar to their last outing against Worcester where they trailed by only six after one period at 23-17.

Tip-off at Newton Aycliffe LC is scheduled for 4:00PM.