WORCESTER Wolves host Newcastle Eagles tonight (7pm) aiming to record their first victory of the season against the British Basketball League champions.

The sides have already met twice this term, each time in the North East, with the Eagles soaring to success on both occasions — 81-73 in the Championship and 107-85 in the BBL Cup quarter-final.

But tonight Wolves have home advantage and have only lost once at the University of Worcester this term, an opening day defeat to Durham Wildcats.

Since then, Paul James’ men have been in fine form at their headquarters, winning the last five matches.

The Eagles, second in the table with just one defeat in 11 league games, will be their toughest test yet but Wolves are determined to triumph in front of their own fans.

Director of basketball James said: “They have dominated us in the two games we have played, which is something we want to put right.

“They play hard at both ends of the floor and can overwhelm you at times if you allow them.

“Joe Chapman and Charles Smith have been, and still are, their key players, but I actually think in Damon Huffman they have one of the best point guards in the league.

“When he really finds his feet he’s going to be a handful for teams to deal with.”

Wolves, however, have their own influential point guard with Sherrad Prezzie-Blue poised to make his home debut after finally arriving from the United States.

He appeared in last Sunday’s 87-65 defeat at Plymouth Raiders but is raring to go on his own court and also commands the respect of his peers.

Newcastle guard Chapman said: “Prezzie-Blue is back and Worcester were one of the favourites to win the league with him.

“They’ll be much tougher with him in their team and I imagine he’ll be my assignment to guard.

“I’m looking forward to that, we’re good friends and it’s great to play against him.”

Eagles player-coach Fabulous Flournoy added: “Wolves have a lot of size with Stan Ocitti, Arnas Kazlauskas and Arturas Masiulis in particular.

“Now that Prezzie-Blue is available, those previous games will have little impact on the way we approach this one.

“Alex Owumi will now be able to play his natural position and we are expecting a very tough test.”