Manchester Giants clasgh with Cheshire Phoenix today is more than just a grudge match: it is coach Jeff Jones’ chance to end his search for his 200th BBL win.
As the Manchester outfit travel to their regional rivals, the veteran American coach is desperate to pass the milestone after last week when against Surrey United the Giants were in pole position to land the victory.
One cataclysmic capitulation later however and it was not to be.
The team have risen again though and put to bed that undeniable disappointment with progress into the quarter-finals of the BBL trophy after a resounding 91-74 win against Birmingham Knights.
With a favourable home tie with Glasgow Rocks next up there is a good chance of silverware heading to Manchester this year.
But Jones’ men must turn their attentions back on the task at hand and avoid a third consecutive defeat of the season against the Nix.
The third-from-bottom side were handed a major boost this week as Mike Bernard and Callum Jones return to league action after their respective lay-offs – a fact not lost on top scoring David Aliu, who continues to battle his own injury concerns.
“I was pleased with the game against Birmingham since I’d picked up a bit of an injury in training, so it was good to be able to rest and not play too much,” the veteran star said.
“The rest of the guys were great and stepped up in a big way, while it was also great to see Mike and Callum back on the floor.”
Last time out the Giants struggled to make use of a good start in the north-west derby and lost out by just 12 points.
The Nix have been in imperious form ever since as they continue to mount a serious assault on a play-off spot.
Away form has been the ‘Achilles Heel’ for the Giants all season and Aliu confessed it would take a huge effort to get back to winning ways in the BBL.
“The game against Cheshire this weekend is going to be a tough challenge,” he added.
“I said it earlier in the season – they are one of the most talented teams in the league and now they’re clicking on all cylinders.
“It’s always hard to play at the Northgate Arena as well, since they have great fans and so it will be a challenge, but I’m sure we will all be up for it.”
As if the game was in need of any extra spice, the return of Devan Bailey for the Nix is sure to just that.
The England international and former Manchester player returns to face his old side in a local derby that has much at stake for both sides.
For more information on how you can see the game visit www.manchestergiants.com.
Image courtesy of Jack Hinds, with thanks.
For more on this story and many others, follow Mancunian Matters on Twitter and Facebook.
