Heat's Biggest Game of the Season

Guildford Heat and Cheshire Jets meet for the first of two games in the space of five days on Wednesday evening with a place in the BBL Trophy semi-finals at stake.

The teams had contrasting games in the first round of competition – which is being played on a knockout basis for the first time in its 24 year history – with Heat winning a thriller 74-72 at Jelson Homes Leicester Riders while Jets strolled to a 42-point home victory against Division One side London Leopards.

The winner of Wednesday’s tie faces Marshall MK Lions in the semi-final, with Newcastle Eagles and Everton Tigers meeting in the other half of the draw.

Jets coach Paul Smith is expecting a difficult game when his team travel to Surrey: “They have a very strong starting five who are a match for anyone on their day. They are particularly strong on their home court so we are expecting a very tough game.”

Smith sees Heat’s long-serving captain Mike Martin as their key man: “I think Mike Martin is a big player for them. He’s a very strong and smart veteran who can be a real handful.

The teams also face each other in BBL Championship action in Guildford on Sunday, and both are in action in between those games. However, coach Smith is concerned about the tough schedule his team face: “It is tough, but we have depth in the squad to be able to cope and experience in both the playing and coaching staff to be able to see our way through it ok.

“I don’t think playing them twice in five days changes the first game. There will undoubtedly be something new learned for the second game but the overall process of preparation will stay the same for both games.”

The teams have already met twice at Jets’ Northgate Arena, and although the home side have won on each occasion, the games were contrasting.

December’s game saw Heat 65-56 ahead at the end of the third period, but the teams were level at 82 going into the final minute. Heat’s Kenny Langhorne then stole the ball and full went court for an unopposed layup to put Heat up 84-82. However Chez Marks nailed the decisive three ball to give the home side an 85-84 victory with 0.6 seconds left.

When Heat returned six weeks later, the game was much more one-sided with Jets running out comfortable 97-74 winners.