Garbelotto joined the Tigers as head coach in 2008

Everton Tigers coach Tony Garbelotto wants his team to be pumped up for their game with Newcastle Eagles on Tuesday at the Greenbank Academy.

The Blues have been winning games and collected the BBL Trophy last month but coach Garbelotto wants them to start playing their best basketball as well.

"This game can't come quick enough. I'm pumped up about it," Garbelotto told BBC Radio Merseyside.

"We really need this game for our team to get ourselves back on track."

He added: "It's an exciting night to look forward to."

But despite picking up victories in the BBL to shoot Everton to the top of the league, the Tigers coach is unhappy with the team's lack of on-court focus.

He believes everyone at the club is still hungover from the BBL Cup victory over Plymouth in January.

"We're just not focused since the cup final," continued Garbelotto.

"We don't come out with any intensity at the start of games. The only thing I can give you at the moment is that we are winning games.

"That's about it. We are not playing well and the guys know this, I know this and it's just not their fault.

"I take full responsibility along with my coaching staff. No-one is focused on what we are trying to do at this moment."

The second leg in the fixture is on Friday, 20 February at the Newcastle Arena, with tip-off at 1930 GMT.

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