Wolves target revenge victory (From Worcester News)

Wolves target revenge victory

8:00am Friday 27th January 2012 in Worcester Wolves By Steve Carley, @stevecarleyWN #WENsport

WORCESTER Wolves head to Sheffield Sharks tonight (7.30) intent on revenge while making it five straight wins in the British Basketball League and maintaining their title challenge.

Paul James’ team have kept up the heat on leaders Newcastle Eagles since the end of last month with triumphs over Milton Keynes Lions, Mersey Tigers, Durham Wildcats and Cheshire Jets.

Now they are looking to add the Sharks to that list ahead of Newcastle’s visit to the University of Worcester a week tomorrow.

Having been edged out 76-75 at the English Institute of Sport the last time the teams met in November, when Great Britain point guard Nate Reinking struck in the final seconds to deny Wolves, James has called on his players to be more clinical.

He said: “When we played at Sheffield we were on an eight-game winning streak and perhaps should have closed the game out up there.

“We played very well for 35 minutes and let ourselves down for five which resulted in us losing the game so we really want to go up there and put paid to that one and continue with our winning form.”

James continued: “We failed to make our free-throws that would have put the game beyond them and gave them a shot to win the game which they took so we were disappointed to lose by a point having been in control for so long.

“It’s certainly something we want to guard against today and if we do get that lead again I am sure we’re going to be more focused on building on it and play to win the game.”

Victory tonight would also give Wolves the chance to draw level at the top of the table but they would be relying on the Eagles slipping up on their own court against second-from-bottom Mersey Tigers.

Sharks, who have former Wolves forward Justin Dobbins in their ranks, sit joint-sixth in the table with six wins from 13 games but James is expecting another difficult match in the steel city.

The Worcester head coach added: “The Sharks are a good team with fine players in every area. Dobbins, Mike Tuck and Nate Reinking are their key players.

“I'm sure the Sharks organisation is surprised with their position in the table, as this is not something they are accustomed to.”

Wolves captain Callum Jones, inset, has a knee injury but is expected to be fit.