James: We must focus and tame Wildcats (From Worcester News)

James: We must focus and tame Wildcats

9:30am Saturday 14th January 2012 in News

DIRECTOR of basketball Paul James has warned his Worcester Wolves team against complacency when they entertain Durham Wildcats tonight (7pm).

While Wolves are challenging for the British Basketball League title, the Wildcats are bottom of the table with just one win from 12 matches this season.

However, the sides have already met in the championship at the University of Worcester this term, with Wolves prevailing 65-64 in November when only a last-gasp miss from the visitors stopped them taking the points back to the north-east.

James wants to avoid a repeat of that as Wolves, who travelled to Mersey Tigers last night, look to keep the pressure on leaders Newcastle Eagles.

“The last time we played Durham the game went down to the wire with Paul Elderkin having a shot to win it,” the Worcester head coach said.

“Luckily for us it rimmed out. We did not focus for the full game which enabled the Wildcats to come back into the match in the fourth quarter.

“We need to guard against lack of focus this time around or the result could be very different.”

He added: “Coach Elderkin has put together a competitive, well-drilled and patient team for their first season in the BBL.

“They are still finding their way but are very competitive and a real threat. Elderkin is playing well, as is Ralph Bucci and Mario Flaherty.”

Worcester’s American forward Tommy Freeman is back in contention after sitting out the Tigers clash through a one-match ban picked up against Leicester Riders last month.