I didn't know much about Pirates, and it always concerns me when I don't know who we are playing against Riders coach Rob Paternostro

Leicester Riders coach Rob Paternostro says the fact that Saturday's BBL Trophy opponents Essex lack experience makes them a tough proposition.

Riders, who won last week's Trophy game with the Pirates 80-70 despite a below-par display, face Essex in Southend.

Paternostro said: "They are a confident bunch. They played with freedom, which is always dangerous. We'll need to step things up if we're going to win there."

Riders follow the game in Essex with an away trip against MK Lions on Sunday.

And Paternostro knows they must improve on last Saturday's season opener against the Pirates.

"It was OK for our first game, but things didn't go smoothly early on," Paternostro said.

"I didn't know much about Pirates, and it always concerns me when I don't know who we are playing against.

"We were just feeling our way in the beginning but I've got to give full credit to Pirates as they played really well in the first half.

"It's easy to say that we didn't play well, but I don't want to take anything away from Essex. We did hurt ourselves with too many turnovers which they capitalised on, but they gave us a difficult match-up.

"Myles Hesson really impressed me; he shot the ball well and is clearly a talented kid. Their point guard, Andre Ellis, also played well against us."

E-mail this to a friend

Printable version