NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, United Kingdom (Interstat) — Glasgow will travel to face Newcastle on Friday at Vertu Motors Arena in Newcastle upon Tyne, with both clubs looking to build early-season momentum in a matchup of the Rocks and Eagles.

Glasgow enters with a 2-1 record. Newcastle is 1-1. The Rocks have won two of their first three games, while the Eagles split their opening two contests. Glasgow’s most recent result was a 98-76 loss at Sheffield. Christian Keeling led the Rocks in that game with 23 points, seven rebounds and one assist. Terry Roberts added 17 points, two rebounds and two assists, and Kyle Jimenez finished with five points, four rebounds and five assists.

Keeling is again a player to watch for Glasgow. In his recent performances, he scored 23 points with seven rebounds and one assist against Sheffield, and recorded three points, seven rebounds and three assists in a win over Liverpool Basketball. His ability to score and help on the glass will be important for the Rocks.

Newcastle’s most recent game was a 94-68 win over Bristol Academy. Tavis Pistol Smith paced the Eagles with 22 points and three rebounds. Cam Christon added 11 points, six rebounds, two assists and one block, while Cole Long contributed 13 points, five rebounds and five assists.

Smith is the player to watch for Newcastle. He scored 22 points with three rebounds in the win over Bristol, and earlier produced 19 points, three rebounds and three assists in a loss at London. His scoring has been a central part of the Eagles’ attack, and Glasgow will need to account for him throughout.

The Eagles’ other result this season was an 84-76 loss at London. Glasgow’s wins include a 78-73 victory over Liverpool Basketball. The Rocks have shown balance in the early going, with Keeling and Roberts providing scoring punch, while Jimenez has contributed in multiple areas. Newcastle has leaned on Smith, Christon and Long for production, and the Eagles will look to use their home court to edge ahead in the standings.

The game could hinge on pace and perimeter execution. Glasgow will aim to keep the contest close by limiting turnovers and finding Keeling in scoring positions. Newcastle will try to control the glass and get Smith into rhythm early. Both teams are still settling into the season, and a road win would give the Rocks a strong boost while a home victory would help the Eagles build confidence.

Interstat’s game simulator is projecting a final score of Newcastle 88, Glasgow 82.