BASKETBALL: WALID Mumuni knows Essex Pirates must improve if they are to avoid losing another game and more loyal supporters when they host Leicester Riders tomorrow night.

The Southend based side were thrashed 77-51 against Glasgow Rocks last weekend, writes Chris Phillips.

And Mumuni has told his team they must up their game if they are to finally record their first success of the season on Saturday.

“We know there needs to be a big change in everything we do and we just have to play better because I was embarrassed for the fans last week,” said Mumuni.

“I’m surprised they didn’t walk out after the first period to be honest.

“They’ve stuck by us, but we can’t expect that for too long if we play like we did against Rocks.

“We had a big discussion after the game last Saturday and the coaches really rollicked us for 45 minutes about our attitude and our approach in training.

“Now we need to see a good response.

That will be tough against the Riders though as they have won all of their seven previous meetings with Tim Lewis' side They currently sit eighth in the BBL standings and Mumuni knows they will be a tough team to beat.

“My second game back with the Pirates was against Riders and they’re a really balanced side with a lot of experience and young talent,” said the forward.

“Robert Youngblood and Tony Windless have been around the block and know what you need to do in this league.

“We were up by three in the third period against them before and Tony just changed the game completely by hitting three three-pointers on the trot.

"We know they have the shooting power, and although I don’t know much about their new guy [Liam Potter], any seven footer is always hard to play against.”

Pirates have their own new boy too – 41-year-old Ronnie Baker.

And Mumuni feels he has been an excellent addition to the team.

“Having Ronnie has really helped us,” said Mumuni.

“He’s really impressed me for a 70-year-old who’s still getting around without a zimmer frame! “He’s in better shape than a lot of the guys, and leads by example.

“He’s not that vocal but he has a positive attitude, gets his head down and gets on with it.

“It’s only been two games, and no one expects him to lead the scoring every week, but he’s a great signing.”