It is amazing what a win can do to a side.
Following a vital victory over the Birmingham Knights last weekend, the Manchester Giants head to Glasgow Rocks brimming with confidence after achieving their first win of the BBL campaign.
David Aliu spearheaded a scintillating display at the Wright Robinson last Sunday as the Giants ran out 101-83 victors.
But head coach Jeff Jones has warned his side of the dangers awaiting them this weekend, despite the Rocks – also with a 1-4 record – receiving a devastating defeat against the London Lions
“Glasgow looked really good when I watched them at Leicester and they had opportunities to win the game,” he said after the Giants topped the 100-point mark for the first time this season in the victory on Sunday.
“They are deeper than last year and Sterling (Davis) has a solid and balanced group of players.
“For me though, EJ (Harrison) is their key player, his experience and skill of controlling a team is important for them.”
David Aliu led the way with a blistering season-high 34 points against the Knights and the ever present Stefan Gill carved out another 28 points as the home side finally found the right balance between attack and defence.
Devoid of a win all season, the victory has given the side a real gumption to add more points to the board and with an arguably favourable run of games to come this Sunday provides an excellent opportunity to do just that.
And the Rocks head coach Davis is all too aware of how valuable the win was for the Giants as he is anticipating a reinvigorated Manchester team on Sunday.
“Winning always mends,” he said after the Rocks were agonisingly edged out 80-77 against the Lions.
“Yes Manchester have had a tough start to the season but now that they have got that winning feeling they can really catapult to another level.
“We have to be ready for a much more confident Manchester who are trying to find themselves as a unity just as we are.”
The Giants now sit 10th in the division and will be hoping to maintain momentum in this weekend’s trip.
You can join the team on their travels as the Giants have unveiled a new initiative allowing supporters to travel to away games with the team – starting with Sunday’s game.
Image courtesy of Jack Hinds, with thanks.
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