Saturday 02 November 2013 – Leicester Riders vs Worcester Wolves

On Saturday evening (tip off 7.30pm), Worcester Wolves will make the trip over to their Midlands rivals, the Leicester Riders, to battle for the right to progress to the semi-finals of the BBL Cup.

Wolves inflicted Riders’ only defeat of the season so far when the teams last met in early October and Leicester coach Rob Paternostro is expecting more of the same in terms of intensity when rivalries are renewed on Saturday, though he is hoping for a different outcome.

Paternostro has been impressed by Wolves’ start but maintains there is little between the teams, saying “Worcester have had a great start this season. They have won games in many different ways and are a team playing with confidence. Last time we played it was a hard fought game where they made more plays down the stretch then we did.”

Riders recovered to win their next four games and are right behind Worcester with a 5-1 win-loss record. But that counts for nothing in ‘one-and-done’ BBL Cup basketball. Paternostro added: “It was so early in the season that I think both teams are different, but I’m sure the game will be played with the same energy. Cup games are always exciting for both the fans and the teams; it’s an opportunity for both clubs to move on in this exciting competition.”

Paternostro’s opposite number at the Wolves, Paul James, commented: “This is a game that neither team wants to lose, and I don’t expect too much different from Leicester. Rob has got them playing some great defence again this season and we need to overcome that.”

Meanwhile Leicester Riders forward Anthony Rowe added: “I am very excited about playing against the Worcester bigs. They have got off to a great start and have had efficient personal performances. It was tough down low in the paint in our first meeting and I welcome it in our next encounter.

“I always see the BBL Cup as one of the most prestigious cups. Its ‘cut-throat’ format really does leave the door open for whatever teams turn up best on the day. It’s also the first competition up for grabs, everyone who’s anyone wants to play in the NIA come mid-January.”