Everton Tigers will be aiming to overcome a four-point deficit against Newcastle Eagles on Friday as they bid to reach the BBL Trophy final.

The Tigers were beaten 89-85 in the first leg of the semi-final last week.

"There is no doubt that I feel we played well in this first leg," said Everton head coach Tony Garbelotto

"We had strong performances across the board but just did not close the game out as well as Newcastle. I thought it was a game deserving of a semi-final."

He added: "On top of this, we shot the ball poorly for the second game running.

"Statistically it does not look like the game was played at a high standard, but I think if you looked at the tape and the level that the players play at, I would say it was.

"The defence was intense from both teams, the referees let the players play which led to some turnovers."

The Tigers will be without new signing Trey Moore who will serve a one-match ban due to his ejection against the Glasgow Rocks last week.

Garbelotto is demanding more from two of his British shooters James Jones and Andrew Thomson in the absence of the American.

He concluded: "I think we need to shoot the ball better so I hope that both James and Andy can elevate their games to another level."

Everton Tigers face Newcastle Eagles in the second leg of the BBL Trophy semi-final on Friday 5 March, at 1930 GMT.

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