HEAD coach Paul James has urged supporters to create an “intimidating” atmosphere at the University of Worcester Arena as Worcester Wolves aim to stun unbeaten leaders Newcastle Eagles tonight (7.30pm).

With more than 1,000 tickets already sold — surpassing their previous pre-match record – for the British Basketball League encounter, bosses at the 2,000-capacity venue are expecting one of their biggest crowds.

Newcastle will be confident of silencing the home supporters, having recorded 18 successive league victories, including a 95-88 win over Wolves in November, and they claimed the BBL Cup last Sunday.

However, James believes third-placed Wolves have the ability to upset their lofty opponents and has called on the club’s fans to help them achieve that feat.

“Our supporters can play a massive part and give our players a big boost, so I would just encourage them to get behind the team, cheer as much as they can and make it as intimidating as possible for Newcastle,” he said.

“I am really excited as we have always had very good, close games against Newcastle, so it should be one hell of a match.

“When we played them away, we were two shots away from winning the game. We missed them and they made us pay for it. But if we had made them, it would have put us over the hill to beat them, so we know we can compete with them.

“I am sure they don’t want to lose their winning record but we want to be the first team to beat them.”

Wolves have suffered a dip in form, having lost at Cheshire Phoenix and Sheffield Sharks, but James said his players were eager to bounce back.

“It has been a tough few weeks on the road, so it is nice to be back at home,” he said.

“When you play against a team who haven’t lost a game, it helps focus the mind a little.

“We know we have got a big team coming to town with a big crowd behind us, so let’s put on a show and see what happens at the end.”

Wolves’ much-anticipated clash against Newcastle will be shown live on skysports.com but fans planning to buy tickets on the door on the night are being urged to arrive early.

After taking on Newcastle, James’ men travel to Surrey Scorchers in the BBL on Sunday (3pm).