WORCESTER Wolves meet Sheffield Sharks for the first time this season on Friday night with head coach Matt Newby looking to maintain standards (7.30pm).

Newby's fourth-placed side have won four out of their last five BBL Championship games and also picked up the BBL Cup for the first time with victory over Bristol Flyers.

Wolves enjoyed a 77-72 home victory over fellow high-fliers Newcastle Eagles last Friday but third-from-bottom Sharks will look to kickstart their league campaign at Ponds Forge.

Sheffield have won three out of the last five meetings between the clubs and triumphed 71-68 in the last contest at the University of Worcester Arena last March.

Newby said: “It's going to be an interesting one. Sharks have had a little bit of inconsistency in terms of results but have proven they can be in every game.

"They will be a good match-up in the back court for us. We can't take the game lightly.

"The fans will be in good voice at Ponds Forge and Sharks will want to make a move now in the league table."

Newby feels it is all to play for in the BBL this season.

He continued: "Maybe in previous years the early statements of teams would be the lie of the land at the end of the season.

"But the evidence suggests that a lot of teams will trade games this year.

"Ultimately we've got to be able to prepare as diligently as we have and treat each game with significance.

"Each team has the opportunity to really make a dent on the league table and secure their position.

"For us it's about maintaining our standards and hopefully increasing our outputs."

Centre Amir Williams has lifted Wolves and he remained in the BBL All-Star Five for week 20.

Williams got the better of Eagles' CJ Gettys with a double-double of 14 points from just nine field goal attempts and 11 rebounds alongside two assists and three blocks.

Wolves' Jordan Williams secured a place off the bench.