Heat Back in Championship Action
28 October 2011
The Guildford Heat get back to BBL Championship action on Sunday when they host the Cheshire Jets at the Surrey Sports Park, the game tipping-off at 3 o'clock.
Both teams have started the season poorly, with the Heat going winless in their BBL Trophy Group and losing their opening two Champion matches. The Jets haven't faired much better, losing heavily to the Leicester Riders in their only Championship match and also finishing bottom of their Trophy group. However, they at least have a win under their belt, defeating the Mersey Tigers 74-62 on the road last weekend. Jets' coach John Lavery, in his first season in the job, dismissed the idea that it was a relief to get that first win:
"It wasn't so much of a relief, as it was just a matter of time. We played a lot better than the previous weekend against Leicester Riders. Matt Schneck and Bill Cole had good games."
Coach Creon echoed that sentiment for the Heat:
"It's been frustrating to lose our first six games, but it's only a matter of time before things click. It's not as if we've been blown out in games and we could easily have won all of our Trophy games."
Heat Captain Mike Martin reinforced the message:
"We got together a bit late, but in all honesty we’ve got better with each game. We’re losing through not making free-throws or having a couple of rushed offences. They are areas we can work on, it’s horrible to know we could have won those games, but they’ve all been losses."
Looking forward to the game, Coach Creon knows his players have got a battle on their hands:
"Coach Lavery has very big front court with the return of Matt Schneck, new signing Bill Cole and experienced veteran Shawn Myers. They picked up their first win this weekend and will be looking to build on that. This will be our third game in five days so controlling the tempo of the game and rebounding will be important for us to get a win in the Championship.
"We know Schneck is a tough cover in the low post so denying him touches where his comfortable will help us contain him. At 6'10'' Cole spreads the floor well and has a good shot from down town. Keith Page, Will Brown and Colin O’Reilly all shoot the three ball well so we will respect them on all areas of the floor."
Heat fans will remember Matt Schneck from last season when he played his first game after returning from suspension against the Heat. He led the Jets with 25 points and eight rebounds as they won comfortably, 98-81. Schneck's performance eclipsed a perfect shooting night from Mike Martin, who went 9-9 from the field to lead the Heat with 21 points.
Sunday's game tips off at 3 o'clock at the Surrey Sports Park. You can get your tickets by visiting the online Box Office or by calling the Heat Box Office on 01483 689111.
