LIONS V HURRICANES | PREVIEW

By Jordan Clarke

On the back of a five-game winning streak, the Teesside Lions face their toughest challenge yet, as the league-leading Bristol Hurricanes visit Eston Arena on Saturday afternoon with a 3.30pm tip

The game presents a mouth-watering prospect for sports fans in the area and a game not to be missed.

Teesside moved up to fourth with the victory, sitting on a 9-6 record. But Saturdays visiting Bristol Hurricanes only have one defeat to their name so far this season, to go alongside 16 victories.

The two sides met in Bristol back in November, where a depleted Teesside squad managed to keep up with the hosts for a majority of the game, but Bristol showed their strength late in the fourth quarter to see out a 69-55 win.

The Hurricanes boast a talented squad including five players averaging double-digits in scoring. Former NCAA Division One forward James Claar (pictured) leads the team in with 21 points, nine rebounds and two blocks per game.

Bristol are making the long trip up to the North East on a 14-game league winning streak, with their only defeat of the Division Two North campaign coming against the Derbyshire Arrows in game two of the season.

Teesside however are filled with momentum after five fantastic consecutive victories in recent weeks, including two outstanding comeback wins on the road at Derbyshire and Leicester in the middle of three blowout wins over Doncaster, Bristol Flyers and Leicester.

Tom Horvat, who has missed the previous two games due to a knee injury is still leading the way in the scoring standings for the Lions with 20 points per game, but recent additions Emmanuel Kabengele and Faaris Mughal are closing the gap after their incredible performances since their arrival. Horvat will face a late fitness test ahead of Saturday, as will Theo Turner who turned his ankle against Bristol Flyers.

Tyrese Nfon is still unavailable due to a knee injury, but fans will have their opportunity to see Noah Saa for the first time this season. Saa made his debut in the OT win at Leicester and played a crucial role late in the game.

Lions need the support of the ever-impressive Teesside fans if they’re to take down the Bristol Hurricanes and are urging spectators to bring their Lions scarves in order to create a ‘Sea of Scarves’ in the stands of Eston Arena.

Supporters can purchase their tickets for Saturday’s game at TeessideLions.com now. Scarves are available pre-game for just £5.