Buccaneers not taking Lakeside Lightning lightly as they prepare for the clash at home

The Buccaneers are looking red-hot for this week after taking down the league’s top team in an instant classic game. The team remain undefeated at their home court, a streak which was kept alive in the one-point nailbiter against the Flames last Saturday. Sitting at fourth on the ladder, the Buccs are revving up to face the ninth-placed Lakeside Lightning who are currently on a two-game win streak. Spirits would definitely be high after the weekend, with the team ready to play the final of a three-home-game stretch before having to go on the road again. Coach Dayle Joseph said the home field advantage was definitely felt with the Geraldton crowd. “To have probably the best crowd in the league, we get 1100 people to every one of our games, to cheer us on,” he said. “I think that spurs the guys on at some point, probably played a little bit of a part.” The hero of the game Malik Meunier was cool, calm and collected when his name was called to call game. “It’s a mental thing rather than anything else, it was great to see Malik show some maturity and knock those couple down at the end,” Joseph said. “You could turn around and say they didn’t do it at the other end four seconds earlier.” After the big win, the team had a well-deserved lighter session at training this week. “We had a bit of a light session Tuesday, some guys are still a bit sore. . . it was a really tough game, really physical,” Joseph said. “Fine-tuning the things we are good at, I say you got to improve your weaknesses and perfect your strengths.” Although Lightning have had the slow start to the season, Joseph said the team could still be dangerous. “Last week was probably first time they had their full team, imports came in late and they’ve added a local kid that’s just coming from college,” he said. “That makes them pretty strong, we won’t underestimate them and we won’t take into account their win loss record.” The team will get the 195cm-tall scorer Zac Gattorna back, after his one game absence to go over east for NBL try outs. “We’ll get Zac back this week, we’ll have to juggle that around to see who goes out for Zac to come in,” Joseph said. “I’m looking forward to having him back this weekend, gives an extra body to rotate through the system.” The clash will take place on Saturday at Activewest Stadium, with tip-off at 7pm.