Sunday 04 January 2015 Plymouth University Raiders v Worcester Wolves

Worcester Wolves were without Robert Thurman through the festive period, but emerged with two crucial wins, and will aim to extend that sequence at Plymouth Raiders on Sunday.

Second-placed Wolves bounced back from a narrow loss to London Lions with victories against Leicester Riders and Leeds Force, despite the absence of their dominant big man due to an ankle problem.

Thurman could yet miss Sunday’s trip too, but Paul James will be confident his team can once again collectively fill the void.

Up-and-coming guard Disraeli Lufadeju, is one of the men capable of picking up some of the slack, as he continues to improve.

“I just know my role a little bit more now,” said Lufadeju.

“Last year I didn’t really play much, because I didn’t really understand the game, but having played a year in the BBL I understand where I can get my open looks and I feel I am going to continue being a defensive stopper.

“I will just key in on my defence and when I get an opportunity to score, take it.”

He added: “Alex Owumi and Chavis Holmes are very experienced, also Jamal Williams, so every day I am learning so much, just picking the minds of each of my team-mates and adapting it to my game.”

Raiders come into this game following defeat to Bristol Flyers, and Lufadeju is confident of maintainig the pressure on leaders Newcastle Eagles.

Lufadeju said: “Offensively Plymouth are pretty tough. But we are just going to keep attacking them and limit them as much as we can.

“We have to try and limit them to only one shot per possession.”

It could take just one shot for Owumi to pass Anthony Paez as Wolves’ all-time leading scorer too, as he requires just three points to do so.

Last time they met:

Plymouth Raiders 88 Worcester Wolves 95 (BBL Championship, Plymouth Pavilions, 07/12/2014)

What they say:

Raiders coach Jay Marriott: “Coach James always has his teams organised and the difference in our last contest was Robert Thurman, he proved our downfall so we have to be ready.

“We need to step on court ready to win. Nothing else will do for us at this point. That puts us under immense pressure to perform, but a pressure we all have to learn to deal with and be a driving force for us to turn strong performances into results.”

For information about tickets visit www.plymouthraiders.com.