Eagles won't be fazed by 'monumental' task

NEWCASTLE Eagles will have to perform at their “absolute best” to see off London Lions and make a third final of the season.

- By SIMON RUSHWORTH

That’s the verdict of head coach Marc Steutel ahead of tonight's play-off semi-final first leg in the capital.

But Newcastle will have to meet Steutel’s standard without star men Darius Defoe and De’Sean Allen-Eikens after both players were ruled out of the Final Four showdown.

“London are obviously the front-runners and heavy favourites in this tie,” admitted the Eagles’ playcaller as the fifth-placed men in black look to upset the top seeds in their own backyard.

“The Lions are a very talented roster and boast a clear defensive DNA. They've been playing really good basketball over the last few weeks of the season and I'm sure getting to the play-off final is one of their goals.

“We know we have to be at our absolute best and, at the same time, try to make sure that London aren't at the top of their game. Over 80 minutes there's no room for error.