Paul James: Riders clash will be tough for Worcester Wolves (From Worcester News)

Paul James: Riders clash will be tough for Worcester Wolves

2:00pm Saturday 20th October 2012 in Worcester Wolves By Steve Carley, @stevecarleyWN

WORCESTER Wolves lock horns with Leicester Riders tonight (7.30pm) aiming for their third successive British Basketball League victory.

The University of Worcester-based side gave their season a kick-start with back-to-back triumphs against Mersey Tigers (98-48) and Cheshire Jets (98-59) last weekend.

They are keen to build on that success against the East Midlanders, who pipped them for second spot in the Championship last season.

Head coach Paul James feels his team are beginning to hit their stride but also knows Leicester, currently unbeaten in three matches, will pose his players far greater problems than the Tigers and Jets.

James said: “I fully expect them to be a force yet again and they have shown that already. I am anticipating a very tough game. It will be totally different to last weekend and it’s certainly going to be time for our big guns to step up.

“They had last weekend off pretty much so they’ll be fresh and raring to go.

“I am looking forward to a very exciting game and hopefully we can come away with a win.”

He added: “Leicester is a very hostile environment.

“For the guys who haven’t played there before, it’s going to be a real eye-opener for them but hopefully we can continue to play within ourselves and build on the success we had last weekend.

“It’s loud and the crowd are close to the court. It’s one of those places that potentially shouldn’t be a BBL venue but it is and it does give them a great advantage.”

Point guard Alex Owumi, now recovered from the illness that affected him earlier this month, and small forward Daniel Belgrave will be out to build on the efforts that saw them named in the BBL team of the week.

King’s School Worcester have extended their sponsorship with the Wolves for another year.