Cheshire Phoenix and Caledonia Gladiators will face each other in the first round of the playoffs in a rematch that Cup final in Glasgow.
It was the shot that was seen all over the country as it David Sloan hit the buzzer three In the corner, in front of the Phoenix bench broke fans’ hearts while securing Caledonia’s first piece of silver in two decades in March.
And now, more than a month later, Cheshire has a chance to settle the score as they will be returning to the scene – albeit in the hall next door – on two legs. And if a league record is anything to go by, this series couldn’t be more even.
Both sides have two victories in their four championship games, with all victories at home.
Recovering from the final disappointment in the cup
Since the Cup Final, Phoenix has rebounded impressively, going 6-2 in the eight games since that loss with big wins over Manchester Giants and Leicester Riders to name a few.
With the sensational attacking skill of Larry Austin Jr., who plays at his best when on open pitch, averaging 15.9 points, 4.8 assists and a league-best 2.6 steals a game this season, Cheshire have a general who can torture defenses and put points on the board quickly. .
Not limited to Austin Junior, Marcus Evans has bounced back since the Cup final, leading Cheshire in points in three of his last eight games, heading into the post-season averaging 14.6 points on 43.5% shooting from the field, and 31.8% from range. from three points.
Cheshire will also be looking to versatile British striker Jamal Anderson for seasoned leadership as well as devastating indoor and outdoor play.
Shooting with 51.7% of two-point reaching along with 34.2% of three-point area, Anderson has shown tremendous consistency this season offensively as well as defensively, hauling down 4.7 rebounds, limiting second chance chances and 1.9 steals against the competition.
It started well, but can they recover?
After winning the cup, the Caledonian Gladiators had mixed fortunes as their first domestic championship saw them win their next three matches, but lose three of their last four matches in the playoffs.
There is an abundance of talent on the Gladiators roster most notably forward Fahro Alihodzic (13.2ppg and 7.3rpg) and Al Durham (17ppg) and MVP in the cup final itself, Sloan who leads the team with nearly 17.9 points.
Coupled with an efficient Alihodzic, Princeton Onwas will be looking to secure a big series on the inside with Caledonia edging out Cheshire at the forward position.
The Gladiators have an advantage in terms of total rebounding as they average 35.8 a game compared to Phoenix’s 31.7 – only Sheffield pulls up less per contest.
Caledonia average 10.2 offensive rebounds per game compared to Cheshire’s 8.2, so for Caledonia to have the upper hand in this round one, they’ll have to capitalize on second chance chances while limiting their counterparts.
You must watch
For both sides, both need to play to their strengths with the Gladiators – who are a decent transition team – finding that going inside will help them more while Cheshire need to play on the open floor and pick up the pace as they are the fastest team on paper.
Vahru Iodzic, Caledonian Gladiators
position forward force
to rise 6’10
age 33
mpg 23.6
PPG 13.2
RPG 7.3
APG 1.8
Aliudzic will lead Caledonia’s attacking line, which needs to exploit its strengths at home. His inner being can be annoying to Phoenix.
One to watch
Larry Austin Jr
position guard point
to rise 6’2
Age 27
mpg 29.2
PPG 15.9
RPG 6.1
APG 4.8
And for Phoenix, his attacking style is dictated by Austin Jr.. He needs to play to his strength, which is in the open field, and if he’s in good shape, then Phoenix as a team as well.
what are they saying
“We don’t give up, we’re ready to fight and we’re hard to beat – all of those things are a good characteristic to have.” said Phoenix coach Ben Thomas.
“There’s not as much pressure on us as there is on other teams to finish in the top two or three or whatever. We know where we lie in terms of how much we spend compared to other teams and outperform that year, year after year. As a head coach, Despite that, I didn’t make it past the first round of qualifying and we hope to change that this year.”
The first match will be at Ellesmere Port on Friday night before the series moves to Scotland on Saturday afternoon. You can get your tickets for both matches Click hereor watch the event live on The British Basketball League YouTube channel.