Preview: Newcastle Eagles v Bristol Flyers

Thursday, March 19th 2015

Newcastle Eagles v Bristol Flyers
Sport Central Arena
Friday, March 20th, 7.30pm

Bristol Flyers look to avoid a third straight defeat this Friday against Newcastle Eagles at the Sport Central Arena (7.30pm tip-off).

All the key information on Friday's BBL opponents can be found below.

NEWCASTLE EAGLES
Eagles are the most successful franchise in the history of the BBL, having completed a clean sweep of all of the league’s silverware twice, during the 2005-06 season and during the 2011-12 season. They have won the league a record six times, with their seventh well on the way, having lost just two games all season. Since 2010, they have played all home games at the 3,000 capacity Sport Central Arena at Northumbria University, after previously playing at Newcastle’s Metro Radio Arena since 1995.

COACH
Fabulous Flournoy – A former player in the BBL with Birmingham Bullets, currently player/coach for the Eagles. The 6ft 3in shooting guard, known for his tenacious defence and high standards, attended Panola Junior College and was a student at NCAA Division 1 College McNeese State University. Flournoy joined the Eagles in 2001, and took on a new role of player/coach during the 2003-04 season.

STAR MAN
Charles Smith - The 39-year-old has won 16 pieces of silverware during his time with the Eagles, whilst earning four Finals MVP awards – second only to GB captain Drew Sullivan, who has five. The American-born forward is currently fifth in the league in scoring, averaging 17.5 points per game.

OFFICIALS
Taking charge of Friday’s game will be Simon Unsworth, Chris Dodds and Graham Shaw.

LAST TIME OUT
Eagles inflicted Flyers’ tenth loss of the season, 93-105 in front of a sell-out crowd at the SGS WISE Arena.

LAST SEASON
BBL: Winners
BBL Cup: Runners-up
BBL Trophy: Quarter-finals
BBL Play-offs: Runners-up

DID YOU KNOW?
Eagles are on for another ‘clean sweep’ of silverware this season, after winning the BBL Cup earlier this season. They’re currently sitting comfortably at the top of the table, and also feature in the final of the BBL Trophy this weekend.