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‘We can take on the best’: Ryan Lewis defiant despite Manchester Giants poor form

Manchester Giants forward Ryan Lewis believes that his side can still compete with the best in the BBL ahead of Sunday’s game with Leicester Riders.

After a solid start to the season Yorick Williams’ side have won just one of their previous 12, losing the last five in a row.

Nevertheless Lewis has faith that he and his teammates can turn around this form, and have the ability to produce results against anybody.

“The game against Newcastle actually showed us that we can go up against the best,” Lewis said.

“The team as it is really dangerous when we stick to what we know and what we do well; ball movement and open shots.

“[Our goal has to be] most importantly play our game, our tempo, our rhythm in front of our crowd and it could definitely be our game.”

The Giants will be hoping that their spirited display in the 108-85 reverse at Esh Group Eagles Newcastle last game will give them momentum ahead of this weekend’s clash.

Interestingly Sunday’s game brings together the BBL’s top two teams in three-point shooting percentage in the Riders (37.84%) and Giants (36.3%).

The difference in form between the two sides is remarkable however, and the Riders have lost just one of their 11 games so far this season.

The high-flying Riders also face London Lions on Saturday as they aim to reach a third BBL Cup Final in four years.

Giants have already faced the Leicester side once this season, which ended in an 82-62 defeat at Loughborough in October.

Lewis is therefore fully aware of the threats that the Riders pose to Yorick Williams’ side on Sunday at the Lucozade Powerleague SportsDome.

“Leicester are good because they have a really strong and well established core group,” the 27-year-old 6ft 6ins forward stated.

“Rob (Paternostro) is a great coach and has them really well disciplined so they know who does what best and where.

“Our goal has to be to individually take each player out of their comfort zones and not allow anyone of them to get hot.”

Image courtesy of Manchester Giants via YouTube, with thanks.

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