With three NBL1 games on tap this weekend plus an L Lynch Trophy pool game, the highlight is no doubt the clash between Thames Valley and Hemel on Saturday evening.
We take a look at that game and the rest of this weekend's action below, and links to live stats and live streams are at the bottom of the page.
**note - Solent's game against Reading, previously covered in this preview, has now been postponed**
In a much-anticipated match up between two unbeaten teams, Hemel travel to Uxbridge tomorrow with both sides hoping to make it to 3-0.
These foes met in late October as part of the pool stage of the L Lynch Trophy and that contest didn't disappoint. TVC's Lewis Champion hit a dramatic three pointer to top the Storm 86-83, a fitting end to what was a thrilling contest.
.@ljc08 with the COLD BLOODED game winner for @ThamesValleyCav in the @LynchTrophy! 🥶🇬🇧🏀#BritishBasketball pic.twitter.com/UZAY9ItkgN
— Hoopsfix 🇬🇧🏀 (@Hoopsfix) October 24, 2020
Since the regular season began, Hemel have seen off Reading and Oaklands, whilst Thames Valley have also beaten the Wolves plus Leicester Warriors, giving both teams plenty of momentum heading into this weekend.
The battle on the glass between Hemel's Greg Poleon and the Cavs' Hakeem Sylla is sure to provide plenty of intrigue, as is the match up between American Mike Williams and the TVC guard duo of Champion and Blayne Freckleton.
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Two other games make up the D1M schedule, including an away game for Derby (3-1) at a home venue that isn't their home at all.
Due to the current Covid-19 climate, Derby have had to move from the confines of their usual home court at Noel Baker Academy to a temporary home of Nottingham Wildcats Arena.
With tomorrow's opponent Nottingham Hoods (1-2) already playing there, it means the Trailblazers will technically be the away team on their "home" court in what should be an exciting contest between two local rivals.
Even more confusing, Derby and Nottingham both played each other in D1M last weekend....at Nottingham Wildcats Arena. The Trailblazers came out of that contest with a 91-71 win thanks to 21 points from American Jacob Conway and Matt Shaw's side will be hoping for more of the same tomorrow.
Finally, winless Oaklands Wolves (0-3) welcome Bradford Dragons (1-0) on Saturday afternoon as they look for a first victory of 2020/21.
Last season's meetings between the two sides saw the Dragons complete a double against Wolves' predecessors, Essex & Herts Leopards. Bradford have started the season well with two wins from three L Lynch Trophy games, the defeat coming in a tight game against Derby, before they finally opened their Division One campaign with an impressive 81-67 victory against Newcastle.
For Oaklands, coach Tom Baker is looking for his side to build on a strong second half performance against Thames Valley Cavaliers last time out: "After demonstrating our fighting spirit last weekend against TVC, I am looking for the guys to play with intent for 40 minutes this weekend" he said.
"It is important we stay together and compete against a tough Bradford side who come off a good result against Newcastle last weekend.”
After a narrow 74-71 loss to Bradford in their only L Lynch Trophy game to date, Myerscough get another chance at securing a maiden win tomorrow as they take on Team Newcastle.
The Knights are also winless in group four, losing out to both Derby and Bradford thus far. Those early set backs didn't derail Newcastle's momentum heading into the regular season as they won their opening two games, but back-to-back defeats in the last few weeks have brought coach Elderkin's side down the standings once more.
If that dip in form will be enough for D2 side Myerscough to seize the opportunity to beat their more established rivals, we'll have to wait and see. It is worth noting that Newcastle beat Myerscough in both their meetings in D2 last year, before TNU were promoted to D1M for 2020/21.
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2pm - Nottingham Hoods v Derby Trailblazers - LIVE STATS
5:45pm - Oaklands Wolves v Bradford Dragons - LIVE STATS
4pm - L Lynch Trophy - Team Newcastle University v Myerscough College - LIVE STATS/LIVE STREAM
6:30pm - Thames Valley Cavaliers v Hemel Storm - LIVE STATS/LIVE STREAM
Main image credit - Mike Lindley
