Everton Tigers v Cheshire Jets

BBL: Everton Tigers v Cheshire Jets Venue: Greenbank Sports Academy
Date: Friday, 22 January Tip-off: 1930 GMT

Local bragging rights will be up for grabs on Friday evening as Everton Tigers welcome local rivals Cheshire Jets to the Greenbank Academy.

Both sides are battling for a play-off spot as two points separate the sides.

"It's a derby and this is game two of the series, so I know that they will put everything into the game," said Tigers coach Tony Garbelotto.

"It is tough to say how we will match up with the Jets. On paper, Cheshire are bigger and have more depth."

It was the Jets who triumphed 101-92 last time the two sides met, at the Northgate Arena earlier in the season.

But they will want to bounce back with a victory after their 89-86 defeat by Sheffield Sharks in Sunday's BBL Cup final.

"They are coming off a heartbreaking cup final loss and it is tough to say how a team will react," Garbelotto said.

"[Jets coach] Paul Smith has done a tremendous job with his team this season. What is most impressive is how many close games they have won - that is the sign of good coaching."

The match will also be a first chance for Tigers fans to get a look at new signing and reigning BBL player of the year Trey Moore, after he finally received clearance to begin his career on Merseyside.

Tigers director of basketball Henry Mooney believes Moore has the ability to lift the crowd at the Greenbank.

"He's a game winner and he's proved it in this league year after year," he said.

"He was the MVP (most valuable player) last year and two or three years ago when he played for Cheshire Jets and he loves these type of games," said Mooney.

"Hopefully he's going to be a game winner for us."