Get the ball inside and back big Wilbur Johnson to power you to the final.

That is the advice for Brighton Bears from a coach who knows Newcastle better than anybody.

Tony Garbelotto was in charge of the Eagles for two seasons, culminating in a 102-101 overtime defeat to Bears in last season's play-offs.

Garbelotto, who has been coaching Birmingham Bullets this season, saw both Bears and Eagles in their quarter-finals and is expecting a classic confrontation.

He reckons the outcome is too close to call but predicts the winners will go on to lift the silverware.

The 34-year-old Londoner said: "It's really well balanced. I would have said Brighton had the advantage until I saw the quarter-finals.

"Newcastle were absolutely sensational at Thames Valley and I wasn't impressed by all of the Brighton team against London Towers.

"The big bonus for them though was Randy Duck, who looked to be the player he was before he got injured.

"If Newcastle play like they did at Thames Valley they will be awfully tough to beat, especially if they get 20 points from Charles Smith.

"Having said that, Brighton have got another gear.

"If there is one deficiency in the Newcastle game it's their interior defence.

"That's why Wil Johnson will be key. If Brighton power the ball inside they have a good chance but they won't win a shoot out."

Duck versus TJ Walker, Ralph Blalock against Jerry Hyatt, Sterling Davis and Fab Flournoy.

All great match-ups mentioned by Garbelotto, but could a bench man win it for Bears again?

Last season in the play-offs it was Rodger Farrington with a tip-in and, when the sides last met, it was a tough jump shot from Errol Seaman which proved the key play.

Seaman learnt the game in the East End under the guidance of Tony G.

Garbelotto said: "That shot of Errol's might be one of the highlights of my season.

"He has worked hard and filled that Emiko Etete role so who knows? There are often unlikely heroes in these games."