Mersey Tigers have the first chance to bring some silverware back to Merseyside in the BBL Cup Final this Sunday (3.30 tip).
With Liverpool and Everton FC underachieving lately, Tigers coach Tony Garbelotto believes a basketball triumph could be a saving grace for the region:
“Obviously the football teams aren’t doing as well as they should, so this could be a tonic for the Merseyside area.”
Tigers Point Guard Perry Lawson said: “It is a big deal, any kind of final is. We want to bring some trophies back to Merseyside because let’s face it – somebody’s got to do it.”
The final falls on the same day as the Liverpool/Everton derby match but Garbeletto refused to see the negatives of that – instead, he’s looking at it as a great sporting day for Merseyside:
“Hopefully the football will be a draw so nobody will be too upset and then we can hopefully win the trophy so everyone can be celebrating that.”
With local lad in the side, David Aliu, there’s good reason for the fans to get behind their only professional basketball team on Sunday. Add that to the fact Mersey have an all British squad and are in contention for four trophies this year and it gives a lot for the region to be proud of.
“This sport has a big role to play in the region. Obviously Merseyside boasts two of the biggest football clubs in the world with Liverpool and Everton, plus two fantastic rugby teams with Warrington and St. Helens. But there’s no massive indoor sport. I believe the fans will get behind us and get excited about the game.”
To book your BBL Cup Final tickets/travel or for more information visit: http://www.bbl.org.uk/index.php?tigers-cup-final,56/ or call 0116 2681341 (ext 112)
