November 2014 Defence is Key for James and Wolves

Wolves coach Paul James is eager for his side to display their defensive strength when they travel to Sheffield Sharks on Friday evening.

Wolves will go into the game as favourites – they sit in second place in the BBL, two points off leaders Newcastle, while the Sharks are languishing down in tenth.

However, James believes that the key to victory in South Yorkshire is establishing a strong defensive platform.

“We’ve got to be ready to play defence first and foremost, and then let our offence flow from there,” he told the BBL.  “We’re going to prepare well this week and hopefully go up there and get a win.

“Sharks are tough; last year we went up there and got beat by twenty. On the other hand we have been up there and beat them by twenty.

“You’ve got to go up there and you’ve got to challenge them because they are very tough on their own court.”

Sharks – who were defeated by Wolves at the semi-final stage of last year’s BBL Play-Offs – have lost their last two games, and are targeting Friday’s encounter with Wolves as a potential turning point for their season.

Forward Mike Tuck told the BBL: “This is definitely a must-win game for us. We’ve lost a couple games that we shouldn’t have so it’s time for us to turn the corner and get back to winning ways.

“Paul James always has Wolves playing good, team basketball so we’re going to have to slow down their main scoring threats.”