Gladiators Look to Advance, Welcoming Scorchers in Crucial Trophy Game

On Thursday at 7.45 PM, Caledonia Gladiators welcome the travelling Surrey Scorchers to PlaySport in a must-win Trophy game, the final one of the group stages before two teams from each group advance to the Final Four in Birmingham.

As part of a complicated Group A, Gladiators must beat Surrey and are reliant on a couple of other results to advance to the semi-finals of the British Basketball League Trophy, which will take place on Saturday 27th January, before the finals on Sunday 28th.

The reigning champion Gladiators have played three games so far in the group stage, currently sitting with a 1-2 record – beating Sheffield last week, and losing to Cheshire and Plymouth in previous weeks. The side will be looking to bounce on from their recent win and build momentum in a win-or-go-home game.

Surrey Scorchers have picked up form in January through the Trophy, currently with a 2-0 record in the competition after defeating Sheffield Sharks and Plymouth City Patriots in their opening two games. In the Championship table, Surrey sit nearer the bottom – 8th – having narrowly lost their New Years’ Day fixture against London Lions.

For the hosts, Clifton Moore has stepped up massively in the Trophy, averaging 15 PPG, 8.7 RPG, and 3 APG, an improvement on his Championship statistics. Patrick Whelan, however, continues to be on fire – putting up 16.3 points a night alongside 5 assists.

The Trophy has seen Saiquan Jamison lead the way for Scorchers – averaging 15.5 PPG, 11.5 RPG and 2 APG – overtaking 2x MVP Justin Robinson, who statistically leads the way for them in League action.

So far this campaign, Gladiators have faced Scorchers twice, with two games still to be played. The sides met in Gladiators home debut at PlaySport, and the crowd inspired Caledonia to an 86-79 victory. On the road, the travelling Scottish side picked up a similar-margin win – 72-80.

Get your tickets for the action, it’s set to be an exciting one, with the two sides continuing to battle for a place at the Final Four in Birmingham. Get your tickets HERE!