It’s another huge weekend in the WBBL and not least for Matt Harber and his Leicester Riders side as they target a first ever showpiece Final appearance.
They will have to do it the hard way and overcome league leaders and local rivals Nottingham Wildcats tomorrow, in a derby on their home floor with more than a little added spice.
The winners will grab that precious ticket to the 2017 British Basketball Trophy Finals at the Emirates Arena in Glasgow next month.
“We have managed to dodge each other so far this season, so neither team has that experience and must bring some fresh ideas to try out,” stated Harber ahead of the mouth-watering East Midland match-up.
“I think Wildcats took a step up in the signing of Joana Ferreira recently as she has been a good addition who has helped the other pieces to fall into place.
“With Ashley Harris obviously a major contender for league MVP this season, these are two dynamics that we need to be mindful of.
“We also have to focus strongly on the defensive side of our game and make sure we can get the number of stops we need to win and really keep their points tally down.
“Reaching a major Final was the target of the organisation at the start of the season and hasn’t changed, so we are aware that we need to make up for missing out on the Cup Final if we can.
“We have another shot waiting in front of us and I know we will be competitive, so we just have to make sure that we execute at both ends of the floor as well,” added the play-caller.
Riders will also have to write an additional note of history if they are to leap into their maiden Final and that is beat their derby rivals for the first time, since they are 0-5 in all WBBL competitions against Wildcats.
The other Semi-Final which also tips-off at 3pm tomorrow, sees Westfield Health Sheffield Hatters entertain Sevenoaks Suns and the home side will be favourites to advance, having won seven of eight WBBL meetings against the visitors.
However, Suns are in good form of late and are highly dangerous with Cat Carr and Anne Pedersen putting in some big performances.
Hatters will also be keen to successfully retain the Trophy they won just over a year ago at the Barclaycard Arena in Birmingham.