WORCESTER Wolves renew their rivalry with Newcastle Eagles tonight as they chase a place in the British Basketball League Trophy semi-finals.

Championship leaders Wolves lock horns with their title rivals in a quarter-final clash in the north-east (7.30).

It is the third time Wolves have visited second-placed Newcastle this season following two meetings in the league.

The University Arena side triumphed 80-71 in October but lost 86-74 in November.

But tonight the focus is silverware and director of basketball Paul James remains determined to keep his side on track for a maiden final.

He said: "The BBL Trophy quarter-final is big for us because although we have been playing well in the Championship, it doesn't count for anything yet, so we would like to give ourselves a chance to make a final.

“Clearly we are playing a Newcastle team who have found some form of late and are playing well. (Player-coach) Fab (Flournoy) does a good job of getting them ready for games of this magnitude.

"I think that we need to make sure we continue to play as a team, like we have been for the past few weeks, and get positive contributions from everybody who plays."

Wolves, who beat London Lions 83-72 in the previous round, are chasing a remarkable 13th consecutive victory in all competitions.

"There is no magic formula for us to play Worcester," said Eagles player-coach Flournoy. "They have loads of talent and, by adding Andreas Schreiber and Kai Williams mid-season, they have really added depth.

"Zaire Taylor is having a great season running the point and coach James has really managed to do a superb job of blending all his players together."

Meanwhile, Will Creekmore and Taylor have both been named in the BBL team of the week for their efforts in last Friday's 89-82 victory over Glasgow Rocks.

It is Creekmore's 11th appearance in the elite quintet this term as the towering American centre continues to lead the league for the most selections.

He earned his latest recognition courtesy of a mammoth 21 points and 16 rebounds against Rocks, as well as two assists, a block and a steal.

Point guard Taylor, in the team for a seventh time, produced a double-double of 17 points and 11 assists against Glasgow. He also claimed four steals and grabbed four rebounds.

They are joined in the team by Newcastle's Scott Martin, Gabe Haskins of Plymouth Raiders and Victor Moses from Cheshire Phoenix.