Sunday 05 January 2014 – Manchester Giants vs Worcester Wolves

Kai Williams and Worcester Wolves open 2014 with a trip to Manchester Giants on Sunday afternoon (tip off 5.00pm) as they aim help to coach Paul James reach a century of wins in charge.
Wolves closed 2013 hitting three figures as they brushed aside Birmingham Knights for a fifth straight win while Giants lost to Plymouth University Raiders – but Williams feels they possess some of the league’s leading lights.
“Manchester are a very good team even though they may have had their struggles this season,” said Williams.
“They have a balanced team and players like James Jones, Rob Marsden and David Aliu have been playing just as good as anyone in the league.
“This will be a tough game for us as they are very tough to beat at home. We are expecting a tough battle for our first game in the New Year.”
It goes without saying that Jeff Jones’s men will make it as difficult as possible for James to find his 100th win.
But Williams feels Wolves may take extra motivation from the potential upcoming landmark.
He added: “Being part of a coach’s milestone like a 100th victory is something I believe our team will take great pride in.
“Everyone on this team and involved with the club has a great deal of respect for Coach.
“Coach James is one of the best coaches I have played for and it would be great to be a part of his 100th victory whenever that may take place this season.”
Last time the two teams met, in November, the Wolves emerged victorious 118-102. Paul James is wary of the Giants’ scoring punch, saying: “Last time we played them they put up over a hundred points and still lost. We have worked hard on our defence this week, knowing that we will need to do a good job of closing them down from the three-point line.”