Caledonia Gladiators Women claim second spot to follow men's side into play-offs

Caledonia Gladiators are celebrating this week after their women's team claimed a second place finish and the men's side came third in their respective leagues to head into the end of season play-offs on a high.

The women's side, coached by Chantelle Handy, finished runners-up to London Lions in the British Basketball League after an 87-67 success over Leicester Riders on Sunday, while Gareth Murray's men's team finished third on points difference from Cheshire Phoenix, as London Lions claimed the title.

It is the men's team's highest finish since 2017 and they now go into a play-off quarter-final against Newcastle Eagles on Friday night at Playsport.

Chantelle Handy, who side close out their regular campaign this weekend away to champions Lions on Sunday, said of their win over Leicester: "We feel really good, especially after last weekend [a 59-55 loss away to Leicester].

"We came out last weekend and that wasn't my team, and I said to the girls in the locker room that it wasn't the team we'd seen all year.

"We've tried to create our identity in this league and I think our defense let themselves down last week, but they really stepped up in this game.

"There's still a few things to work on going into the play-off run, but we were so much better today.

"The players should be motivated to play a team like London, a team of that calibre who are top of the league.

"For us, it is a great game to have before going into the play-offs. They are a high performing team, it will be a good intensity so it is a great setup for us, regardless of coming second."

Handy also hailed the support they've had from the East Kilbride crowd this season, added: "The fans have been amazing. It has been like having a sixth player out there. Whether the stands are full or half-full, the sound has been amazing."

The early fixture schedules for both teams are as follows:

Playoffs - Men

Quarter Final 1 ^st leg (Home)

Friday 26 ^th April, 7.45pm tip off

Caledonia Gladiators v Newcastle Eagles

Quarter Final 2 ^nd Leg (Away)

Friday 3 ^rd May or Saturday 4 ^th May, t ip-off tbc

Newcastle Eagles v Caledonia Gladiators

Semi-final - TBC

Friday 10 ^th May - Tuesday 14th May

Final – London O2 Arena

Sunday 19 ^th May

Playoffs - Women

Quarter Final (Home)

Sunday 5 ^th May - Tip-off tbc

Caledonia Gladiators v Durham Palatinates

Semi-final - TBC

Sunday 12 ^th May - Tuesday 14 ^th May

Final- London O2 Arena

Sunday 19 ^th May

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