Rob Paternostro wary of Newcastle Eagles threat
Last updated on .From the section Basketball
Leicester Riders coach Rob Paternostro knows his side face a daunting task to secure a play-off spot when they face title-chasing Newcastle on Saturday.
Riders need a win to guarantee a place in the post-season, although a loss for either Worcester Wolves or Guildford Heat over the weekend would also do.
Paternostro said: "Eagles had one of their most impressive weekends to win away at Worcester and then Plymouth.
"It shows a group that knows how to get it done by any means necessary."
Should Riders fail to win, they can still secure a spot by beating fellow play-off hopefuls Guildford on Sunday.
But Paternostro hopes his side can rise to the challenge by beating the Eagles.
"I know they lost Trey [Moore] and Joe [Chapman], but I still believe they have what it takes to win the league, and the play-offs," Paternostro said.
"I've been impressed with Reggie Jackson, I had a chance to coach him in the all-star game last year and came away from that believing he was a really good player and Charles Smith has had another really good year, he is always a difficult match-up ."
