EVERTON TIGERS’ coach Tony Garbelotto is under no illusions about the challenge his side face when they host Leicester Riders tomorrow.

However he believes that such difficult games are crucial if the team are to keep up the pressure on the BBL’s leading teams.

The side has only lost once this season but lie third as they have three games in hands on rivals Newcastle and Plymouth.

Garbelotto said: “We’re in for a very competitive game against the Riders and we will have to play well to win. We really need this challenge, as we haven’t been pushed in the last couple of games and we need to regain our focus. Riders coach Rob Paternostro has done an incredible job, not only to recruit players who are suited to the BBL but adding a rejuvenated Tony Windless as well.”

Everton came out on top when the teams met in Leicester in October, winning 78- 73 in overtime after the sides had been locked on 67 each at the end of normal time.

Tigers had a comfortable 103-67 victory against BBL newcomers Worthing Thunder last Friday and Garbelotto was pleased to be able to get some of his newer players plenty of playing time.

He added: “The only real positives to come out of it was that Lekan Popoola, Olu Babalola and Josh Gross got a decent amount of court time – which was something we really needed.”

Injury doubts surround Tony Dorsey and Marcus Bailey.

“Dorsey is still struggling and we’ll be taking him to the club doctor to assess the injury,” said Garbelotto. “We thought it was only minor, but it’s not improving. Bailey practiced at the end of last week, but due to a bad reaction only played limited minutes against Worthing.”

Riders coach Paternostro said: “Everton are one of the most talented teams in the league.”

The match is at Greenbank SC (7.30pm).