Preview » Glasgow Rocks v Bristol Flyers

Glasgow Rocks are one of the more consistent clubs in the BBL, making the Play-Offs eight out of the last nine seasons. In 2003, Rocks captured the BBL Play-Off Championship, and since then have been runners up three times.

The Scottish team have played well this season with a record of 12-7, just four losses behind second place Newcastle Eagles.

After coaching stints in Germany and Vietnam, Head Coach Tony Garbelotto returned to the BBL this season. Garbelotto’s credentials speak for themselves: 2011 BBL champion, two-time BBL Play-off champion, and one-time BBL Cup and Trophy winner.

Garbelotto’s coaching prowess has been widely recognised, earning him Coach of the Year honours in 2011, and this year he was appointed Great Britain’s Head Coach following the departure of Joe Prunty.

Rocks finished last season with a record of 21-12, which earned them third place in the league behind Newcastle Eagles and eventual champions Leicester Riders. They looked as though they were ready to challenge for the BBL crown early on, but their form dropped around the turn of the New Year by losing three out of four games. This stretch of poor play put them out of contention for a top finish. 

Glasgow did advance to the BBL Cup final, but lost to Newcastle Eagles 91-83. In addition, they experienced an early exit of the BBL Trophy and failed to advance to the semi finals of the BBL Play-Offs.

Glasgow Rocks’ forward Kieron Achara is always one to look out for. The 6’10 power-house is the Captain of Team GB, and there’s no secret as to why. Achara, former member of the BBL British Team of the Year and Defensive Team of the Year, comes into the contest averaging a shade under 14 points and seven rebounds per game.

His wide wing span makes him a force on the defensive end, and he is currently in the top ten in the BBL for blocks. Archara was named in the BBL Team of The Week coming into Friday's match-up. Coach K is familiar with Achara’s talent, and will want to minimise the effect the Rocks’ forward has on the game.

Bristol Flyers secured their third straight win, coming back from 11 points down in the fourth quarter to beat the visiting Glasgow Rocks 74-71.

Glasgow Rocks have the second highest scoring average in the league, second only to Newcastle Eagles

Friday's game will be available to watch for FREE worldwide on the BBC Sport website.