Surrey Scorchers are back in action with another double header this weekend. On Saturday they welcome the Plymouth City Patriots to Surrey Sports Park, as the Scorchers look to strengthen their grip on a play off spot.
Plymouth are also facing a double header this weekend and will be on the road Friday night against Leicester Riders, before making the journey south to Guildford. They've endured a tough campaign so far and find themselves at the foot of the table with a 4-18 record.
Recent form
Following a disappointing BBL Trophy campaign, Plymouth returned to Championship action with a big road win over the Manchester Giants last week. They were then beaten three nights later at the Copper Box by the London Lions.
Despite their poor record so far, they're 2-2 in their last four BBL Championship outings, which included an impressive home victory over the Caledonia Gladiators.
They've made some changes to their roster, with Yassi Pappin and Taylor Johnson departing. American Forward Cameron Copeland arrived last month as head coach Paul James looks to try and turn their season around.
Key strengths
If the Scorchers are to continue their hot shooting from downtown, they'll have to overcome the Patriots' perimeter defence. Opposition teams are shooting just 32.91% from three-point range against them this season, which is the 3rd lowest in the BBL.
Jacob Wiley and Spencer Levi are each averaging over a block per game, sitting 4th and 6th respectively amongst active players in the league this season.
Surrey tend to live or die by the three and it feels like this will be a key battle for whoever comes out on top in this game.
Source: BritHoops.com
One to watch
American Forward Jacob Wiley has been on a tear for the Patriots since the end of December. In his last eight outings, only the London Lions have managed to hold him to less than 18 points. He's scored 20 on four occasions during this stretch.
Mainly operating in the paint and the mid-range, the 25 year old has the size and athleticism to cause BBL defences all kinds of problems. He doesn't shoot a lot of threes, but his inside game is so strong that he really doesn't need to.
He scored 20 points in each of his last two matches against the Scorchers and stopping him from erupting will be key to any success that they may have on Saturday.
Previous meetings
This will be the fifth and final meeting between the two teams this season. I'm sure Plymouth will be pleased to see the back of Surrey, who have prevailed in all of the previous four match-ups in all competitions.
Scorchers had five players score in double figures during a high scoring 110-105 win in Devon back in October. Points have been much harder to come by in the matches that followed.
Another road win was secured for the Scorchers in November, as they narrowly came out on top 65-63. Less than a month later the sides met at Surrey Sports Park where Plymouth staged a dramatic second half comeback, but Surrey held on to win 71-65.
Their most recent battle came in the BBL Trophy, where a late comeback saw the Scorchers escape with a 65-63 win in another closely contested match between these two teams.
Tip off at Surrey Sports Park is at 5pm on Saturday and tickets are available HERE. Alternatively the game will be streamed live on the BBL's YouTube channel.
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