Wildcats American guard Kirk Crecco believes his team will respond positively following back to back defeats on a tough double header weekend in the British Basketball League.
Durham travelled to Sheffield Sharks on Friday evening, and despite starting the game strongly, ended up losing out 81-67 following strong performances from Sharks veteran Mike Tuck and the returning BJ Holmes.
Crecco and his teammates had little time to reflect on defeat, as less than 48 hours later, they had made their way 400 miles south to take on fellow play-off hopefuls Plymouth Raiders. The Wildcats were without RJ Evans, Danny Huffor and Mark Elderkin, leaving Crecco with just 6 teammates for the contest at the Plymouth Pavilions on Sunday afternoon. Durham put in a strong performance, but when Paul Elderkin fouled out in the 4th quarter, leaving the Wildcats with a rotation of just 6 players, the game was all but over.
Plymouth eventually ran out 86-73 winners. Durham’s Ralph Bucci top scored in the game with 21 points which earned him a place in the BBL team of the week.
Despite the defeats, Crecco was keen to take the positives from the tough double header, “it was a disappointing weekend and a shame we couldn’t secure any points. We know we can play better and will use this experience as a learning curve. We are keen to put the weekend behind us and move on quickly, the whole team is ready to bounce back with a win. “
Durham’s focus will now turn to Sunday afternoon’s game at Newton Aycliffe Leisure Centre where BBL Champions Leicester Riders will visit the home of the Wildcats. Coach Davie is ready for the challenge, and believes his team can get back to winning ways against the number one side in Britain; “We are well aware of the challenge ahead of us this weekend, Leicester are a fantastic team that will give us a tough game at both ends of the court.
They have a number of experienced BBL players and have a very talented coach in Rob Paternostro. My team will be well prepared for the game and are raring to go following a disappointing weekend.”
Crecco also shared the views of his head coach; “Leicester are the team to beat. They were the dominant force last season and are current BBL champions. We’ve set our goals high this season and playing Leicester will give us an opportunity to see exactly where we are.
Although the Wildcats have a 0 – 6 record against the Riders, Crecco is hopeful for a victory in front of the home fans; “We’ve been strong at Newton Aycliffe this season, we have gone behind in both of our home games, but the fans have pulled us through. If they stick with us again for the full 40 minutes, I’m confident we can get back to winning ways.”
Watch the Wildcats take on Leicester Riders at Newton Aycliffe Leisure Centre on Sunday 3rd November, tip-off 4pm.  Tickets are on sale now at www.godurhamwildcats.com.