WORCESTER Wolves’ free-scoring form stems from their “pack mentality” in defence, according to head coach Paul James.

The University of Worcester Arena side made it three wins on the bounce last Friday with a 103-84 triumph over Surrey Scorchers in the British Basketball League.

It was the third match in a row they had reached three figures after beating London Lions 100-71 and Newcastle Eagles 112-103.

Although Wolves have been seemingly scoring points for fun recently, James was keen to praise his side’s defensive work.

“Our defence has been really tough of late as we have been closing down the opposition and taking away their strength,” he said.

“We are chasing the ball in a pack mentality and really making it tough for the opposition to score which has helped us at the other end of the floor, leading to easy baskets and free-flowing basketball.”

Wolves have struggled defensively at times this term but James said he knew it was “only a matter of time” before all the players bought into his systems.

“Players have come from all over the place and played in different systems,” he said.

“It was going to be a matter of time before all the players would buy into what we wanted as they might be doing something they are not used to.

“We have got a way we want to play defensively and now it all seems to be coming together so far which is great and has led to some high-scoring offence games.

“But it all stems from the defensive end as we are out-rebounding teams and challenging every shot.

“Yes, we have guys who are maybe not as strong as others but as long as we are all working together and covering each other’s back then we are going to make life difficult for the opposition and that’s what we have done.”

Wolves visit Sheffield Sharks on Friday night (7.30pm) before travelling to Surrey Scorchers in the BBL Trophy quarter-finals on Sunday (2pm).

And James said they were determined to carry on in the same vein to extend their winning streak.

“The fact we have scored over 100 points in the last three games and won those matches quite convincingly is not just by chance,” James added.

“We have been working extremely hard, like we have all season long in training, and things are now starting to fall in place.

“Everybody is enjoying their basketball right now and we are starting to see a bit of the potential of the team.

“Hopefully we can continue to build on that.”