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Search forRaiders bid to take the Heat out of Guildford
Saturday, November 22, 2008, 06:00
Heat visit the Pavilions on Wednesday (November 26) in the decisive second-leg (7.30pm).
The winners on aggregate progress to the one-off final at the National Indoor Arena in Birmingham on January 18 (3.30pm).
Last year's final between Milton Keynes Lions and Newcastle Eagles attracted a near sell-out 5,500 crowd to the NIA, so the stakes are high at the Spectrum tomorrow.
Eagles and Everton Tigers meet in this season's other semi with the second-leg on Merseyside on December 5.
Raiders beat Heat 83-79 at the Pavilions when the teams met earlier this season in the league on October 25.
The final score flattered Heat, who dried up offensively in the fourth quarter.
However, Heat coach Paul James has since re-signed point-guard EJ Harrison, 32, to run his team; guard Brad Jones left the club by 'mutual consent' to make room on the roster.
"EJ is a big pick-up for them," said Stronach. "He's a quality guard and has been around for a number of years. He can be their heartbeat alongside Mike Martin."
Forward Martin and now Harrison are the only survivors from Heat's starting-five who won the play-offs and BBL Trophy last season.
Stronach, whose team also entertain Newcastle Eagles at the Pavilions in the league tonight (7.30pm), said: "We've just got to play flat-out tomorrow.
"Yes, we will be tired, but we can't think about bringing Guildford back to the Pavilions on Wednesday."
He added: "It's a great position to be in; it's in our hands.
"We'll take stock tomorrow night and get ready for Wednesday."
James said: "All we can do is focus on tomorrow and try and make home advantage count.
"Plymouth have a bunch of players who can hurt you if you allow them to run free – but we are a little different now we have EJ back, so I'm hoping his presence will tip the scales our way."
Ahead of last night's league game at Sheffield Sharks, Harrison had played once since replacing Jones, in an 82-75 overtime defeat at Leicester Riders last Sunday.
Heat were outrebounded 63-48 on the night and outscored 13-6 in the extra period.
Martin and forward Keonta Howell led Heat with 19 and 18 points respectively, while Harrison had 14 points and seven assists.
"I thought for his first game back EJ gave a very good performance," said James. "He gave us more options and found players in better scoring situations. We are definitely stronger."
James, whose team are 4-0 at home this season, added: "I'm sure tomorrow's going to be a close encounter. We know each other's game well."
For ticket information for tomorrow's semi-final first-leg, contact the Guildford Spectrum on 01483 443333.
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