 HOTSHOT Jeremy Hyatt has promised a clash to remember in front of the TV cameras as Newcastle face their FOURTH successive Trophy final. The fit-again guard is firing on all cylinders going into this afternoon’s showpiece fixture against Guildford. And Hyatt is expecting a modern hoops classic as British basketball’s dominant forces do battle for the second of this season’s big domestic prizes. “It’s got the potential to be a great game and on paper Setanta couldn’t have chosen a better one to tip-off their BBL coverage,” said the colourful Californian. “The Heat represented us in Europe this season, won two pieces of silverware last time around and boast a very strong roster. “It should be something special and it’s an intriguing match up with the new guys both teams have brought in.” Not since the collapse of ITV Digital has the BBL been handed a regular digital platform to showcase its ever-improving brand. And although the deal with Setanta is only in place until the end of the season talks are already at an advanced stage to roll out further coverage in the future. “Our league is moving forward again and finding a TV partner was the next step,” added Hyatt. “With this weekend’s final taking place in Plymouth it gives all of our fans who can’t make the trip a chance to watch us in action. “And it’s down to ourselves and Guildford to give a good account of the BBL and show a national audience what our game is all about.” Hyatt made a spectacular comeback from his latest bout of knee trouble on Friday to hit six from eight from the three-point line against Milton Keynes. And on a night when star Aussie Steve Leven was strangely subdued the US star’s return to form could not have been better timed. “I always wanted to play in the final but I knew I needed a game under my belt,” added Hyatt. “It was great to get back out there and I was able to get some open shots against the Lions to give me some much-needed confidence. “Those good looks were down to some great movement by my team-mates and that will be the key against Guildford. “It’s tough when you have a lingering injury that just keeps flaring up at the wrong time. I don’t need an operation though and it’s something I can manage. “I’m just relieved that I seem to be in some kind of shape heading into the final.” Heat coach Paul James knows Newcastle boast firepower in every department. But it will have been the form of the Eagles’ big men on Friday which will worry the Guildford playcaller going into today’s Plymouth Pavilions sell-out. Lynard Stewart and Olu Babalola combined for 46 points against a physical Milton Keynes roster as Newcastle extended their lead at the top of the BBL Championship. And only a series of bizarre calls from three officials hell bent on highlighting the offensive foul threw the Eagles off their stride. Friday’s 87-78 win was sweet revenge for Fab Flournoy and his men after the Lions grabbed the BBL Cup in January. But Hyatt added: “That’s all in the past. We’re not thinking about that final now. “All that matters is taking the Trophy back to Tyneside and it’s always been a special prize for this franchise. “It was our first piece of silverware, this is the fourth year in a row we’ve made the final and it feels like our competition. “We’re focused on beating Guildford and giving our fans back home something to shout about.” V* Today’s coverage of the 2008 BBL Trophy final gets underway from 3pm on Setanta Sports 2. | 
