James: Title Hopes Hang on Friday’s ‘Must-Win’ Showdown

Worcester Wolves coach, Paul James, believes that his side could see their hopes of winning the league slip away if they fail to get a result against league leaders Newcastle Eagles on Friday.

The Eagles are currently on an incredible 19-game unbeaten run in all competitions and sit top of the BBL having been defeated just once this season; a defeat inflicted by Wolves in the first game of the campaign.

Wolves’ four defeats in the league have seen them drop four points behind Newcastle who still have a game in hand to play, and James believes that Friday’s showdown at the University of Worcester Arena is crucial to his team’s hopes of catching last season’s title winners.

“It’s almost a must-win game really because, if we lose this game, that’s five losses in the league,” he said. “Newcastle have only lost one at this moment in time and you can’t see them going on to lose five or six games for the rest of the season.

“It’s a huge game for us; a must win game for us really. Every game we play now is big. In the league, anybody can beat anybody it seems – apart from Newcastle.

“They’re one of those teams who find a way to win. Whether they’re playing well, badly or indifferently, they find a way to win games. But hopefully, on Friday, we can be the undoing of that,” he added.

Wolves will be boosted by the return of Robert Thurman, who played limited minutes in Sunday’s win against Plymouth after recovering from an ankle injury, with James indicating he is likely to play an increased role on Friday.

“Every day now he’s getting fitter and stronger,” the coach said.  “He’s definitely going to be back, and is someone that we certainly need within the side. He’s a monster under the basket and on rebounding so he’s someone we’re definitely going to need against Newcastle.”

Wolves will be hoping that the Eagles have one eye on their BBL Cup final against the Glasgow Rocks in Birmingham on Sunday, allowing them to gain a victory that would give them a crucial head-to-head win.