Players told they must do better

Mar 26 2009 Chester Chronicle

PAUL Smith is calling on his BiG Storage Cheshire Jets players to raise their game for this weekend’s double-header.

The Jets took on the best in the BBL last weekend – Newcastle Eagles and Everton Tigers – and lost both matches, putting a minor dent in their play-off bid.

This weekend tips-off with a return to Newcastle tonight (7.30pm) and is followed on Sunday with a Northgate Arena clash against MK Lions (5.30pm) – and Smith knows the Jets must up their game.

The Cheshire head coach said: “The Eagles game was a disappointing one for us. They jumped on us early and we were always playing catch up after that. We did not take care of the ball, committing turnover after turnover, and you get what you deserve if you do that against the Eagles.”

Smith added: “It was another frustrating night for us against Tigers. “We came out soft and let them build a lead then spent the rest of the game chasing them down.

“We caught them but did not close the game out well.”

Despite his team’s win last Friday, Eagles boss Fab Flournoy won't be taking the Jets lightly when the teams meet again tonight.

He said: “I expect them to be a lot better this week as they'll have Phil [Perre] back, and we won't play as well against them because the match-ups will be different.

“Alto Virgil went off against us last week, and I'm sure he'll continue to do well, but having Phil back is the key.

“He'll allow their forwards to play better.”

The season series is on the line at the Northgate on Sunday when Jets host the Lions.

The two meetings between the teams this season have taken place at Bletchley Leisure Centre, and Lions drew first blood on the opening weekend of the season with a 106-92 victory. The Jets returned to the Lions' den a month ago and gained revenge with a narrow 101-97 success.

Lions coach Vince Macauley is ready for a tough game

He said: “The Jets are coping well without Chez [Marks], they are a veteran team who don't step out of their comfort zone I expect a key battle.

“James Hamilton is the heartbeat of the team but in Calvin Davis and Shawn Myers you have two long players who can explode on you at any given time.”