With only Myerscough remaining in the National Cup, the D2M schedule continues unaffected this weekend with eight games taking place across the country. With both Conference leaders in action, there's plenty to cover in our weekly preview.
Southern Conference leaders Essex Rebels hit the road tomorrow as they head to London to face a Westside team in good form.
The London side have now won three on the bouncing, including victories against high flying BC Medelynas and Ipswich. Donald Morris enjoyed 24 points last weekend in the 91-82 win over Cardiff, he'll likely be a factor again tomorrow.
After a minor wobble that allowed the chasing pack to reel Essex in, the Rebels are now back to winning ways following a clutch victory against BC Medelynas last weekend. Rory Winter continues to be a standout for Essex, he had 27 points against Medelynas and averages 16.0ppg on the year.
The rest of the Southern Conference schedule involves Cardiff Met Archers (1-6) looking to make some headway at the bottom of the standings as they host Sussex Bears (1-7). It's a 9th plays 10th contest with neither team wanting to lose ground against a rival.
BC Medelynas (5-4) will have been disappointed to drop consecutive games against Essex and London Westside, particularly given the fact all three teams are evenly matched at the top of the standings. A visit from London Greenhouse Pioneers (4-2) won't be an easy proposition either, especially with reigning D2M Player of the Week Yonathan Napoleon at the Pioneers' disposal.
Sunday's only fixture involves East London All Stars (4-2) going up against Team Solent Kestrels II (3-6). After a slow start to the season, Solent have now won back-to-back games as they look to move up the standings. The All Stars lost last time out however, suggesting the momentum may be with the South coast team tomorrow.
Looking North, leaders Team Newcastle (9-0) will put their unbeaten record on the line as they welcome University of Chester (4-5). Newcastle's Thomas Horvat currently ranks 2nd in D2M with 26.8ppg, he's a real threat to score big points every week and UoC will need to pay him plenty of attention.
Charnwood College Riders (6-3) currently occupy a share of 3rd place but lost in week 11 against Myerscough. The Riders will need to bounce back asap if they're to maintain their lofty position, they host Derbyshire Arrows (5-4) tomorrow.
Team Birmingham Elite (4-5) can get their record back to .500 as they entertain Bristol Academy Flyers (4-5) at The Factory. A win for either side would help in the tussle for playoff places as the mid-season break approaches.
Finally, bottom side Sheffield Hallam University (0-7) go in search of their first win of the season as they host Derbyshire Spartans (3-6).
2:20pm - Sheffield Hallam University v Derbyshire Spartans - LIVE STATS
3:00pm - Team Birmingham Elite v Bristol Academy Flyers - LIVE STATS
3:30pm - Charnwood College Riders v Derbyshire Arrows - LIVE STATS
5:00pm - Cardiff Met Archers v Sussex Bears - LIVE STATS
6:00pm - London BC Medelynas v London Greenhouse Pioneers - LIVE STATS
6:15pm - London Westside v Essex Rebels - LIVE STATS
7:00pm - Team Newcastle v University of Chester - LIVE STATS
1:30pm - East London All Stars v Team Solent Kestrels II - LIVE STATS
Main image credit - B.East Photography
