PAUL James insists Worcester Wolves will not let themselves be rattled by their defeat to British Basketball League title rivals Newcastle Eagles.

A 14-match winning streak for the Wolves came to an end with an 86-78 defeat to the north east visitors at the University Arena on Friday.

But despite having lost to second-placed Newcastle in two of their three league meetings this season, Worcester are still four points clear at the summit.

With two matches still to come against third-placed Sheffield Sharks, as well as against defending champions Leicester Riders, director of basketball James believes Wolves remain in the box seat.

He said: “These things happen, we have been on a fantastic run winning 14 games in a row, so that’s a great effort, and we’re going to have to regroup and move on from this.

“We didn’t make the most of our opportunity to put their title challenge beyond them so we’re disappointed about that but we’ve still got one loss less than they have so it’s still in our court.”

Next up for Wolves is a two-legged BBL Trophy semi-final against Sheffield as they bid to reach their first major final under James.

The first leg is at the English Institute of Sport in Sheffield on Friday before the return at the University Arena on Wednesday, March 12 (7.30pm).