Bullish James sets sights on top-four finish (From Worcester News)

Bullish James sets sights on top-four finish

4:00pm Thursday 5th January 2012 in News By Steve Carley, @stevecarleyWN #WENsport

JOINT leaders Worcester Wolves have targeted nothing less than a top-four finish in the British Basketball League this season.

The University of Worcester-based side head into 2012 level on 18 points with reigning champions Newcastle Eagles following last Friday’s 103-92 victory at Milton Keynes Lions.

It was Wolves’ ninth win in 12 league games this term and has provided them with a platform from which to make the next few months their most successful ever.

Director of basketball Paul James, whose side missed out on the play-offs last season by finishing ninth, said: “We want to finish in the top four without question. We have reset our goals now and if we can do that I will be delighted.

“I think it would be disappointing if we didn’t finish in the top four because we have had a great start.

“Anything can happen, teams can have injuries, but we have given ourselves the chance.

“If we can win the games I think we should and, perhaps, beat those in and around us, I think we have got every chance of doing it.”

Wolves bounced back from a 99-75 home defeat to Leicester Riders with the Milton Keynes success and now have a break until Friday, January 13.

By then, Glasgow Rocks, Leicester and Plymouth Raiders, who are third, fourth and fifth respectively, may have closed the gap on Worcester but James would rather have victories in the bag.

“I think it’s crucial to get the points on the board,” he said. “We played more matches than a few teams but they have got to go and win their matches in hand.”

Wolves travel to Mersey Tigers on January 13 (7.30pm) then entertain Durham Wildcats at the University of Worcester (7pm) the following evening.