Wednesday 12 March 2014 – Worcester Wolves vs Sheffield Sharks

Sheffield Sharks forward Olu Babalola is ready for the holders to finish the job against Wolves at the University of Worcester Arena, (tip off 7.30pm), after Sharks picked themselves up off the canvas during the first-leg of their BBL Trophy semi-final, to trail by just 60-62.

“The weekend was very good for us and now we’re excited for Wednesday,” he declared, with his team having also maintained their title aspirations via a BBL Championship success at Durham.

“I think we showed heart, determination and maturity to bring the game back to just two points against the league leaders. This season we’ve been up twenty and down twenty to Worcester and both times, we have eventually come out in a pretty good shape,” continued Babalola.

“So, this second game will be all about who wants it more – specifically, who wants to go to the BBL Trophy Final the most. Wolves are a very good team and are very well coached, but after preparing for this, we’re ready to just leave it all out on the court!”

As the Sharks try to keep their coveted silverware in the cabinet, Wolves will be looking at taking a historical step forward, namely sealing a first ever berth in a showpiece BBL Final. Worcester captain Alex Owumi gave his thoughts on Wednesday’s second-leg showdown, saying:

“The first-leg was an exciting one. We played a great first half, but we went away from our strengths in the second half. Foul trouble caused me to be on the bench for most of the game and I think that really hurt us going into the second half.

“We knew Sheffield were going to try to make a run and they did a great job. But we are up two points and playing in front of our fans, where we are most comfortable. I would take that any day.

“We are going to do what we have been doing all season and that’s sticking to our game plan. I expect it to be a very physical game and our guys to come out and play extremely physically.

“We understand the historical factor here. The goal is not just only to get to the final; it’s to win the BBL Trophy. We know what this would do for the club. I’m extremely confident with the guys and happy the way we have been playing all year. I expect them to follow behind coach James and play at their very best. That’s all I can ask for.”