Sunday 06 April 2014 – Manchester Giants vs Worcester Wolves

Coach Paul James admits the BBL Championship is now out of Worcester Wolves’ hands, but believes his team can play without pressure having secured a first piece of silverware.

Wolves won their maiden BBL honour with victory over Glasgow Rocks in the Trophy Final last Sunday, but before that gave up ground in the league with defeat to One Health Sharks Sheffield.

Despite that, James feels his team go into this Sunday’s game against Manchester Giants with a new sense of freedom.

“The worst thing that could have happened was for Wolves to have a brilliant season and nothing to show for it,” said James.

“Now that we have, the pressure is off and we can relax and just play. We have proven that we can win out and there’s no reason why we can’t continue in the same vein.”

Worcester remain level with Sharks on 42 points, eight behind Esh Group Eagles Newcastle, both with four games in hand over the leaders. However, Sharks now hold the crucial tie-breaker between the two.

James though, is focused only on his team’s remaining games, including Sunday’s trip to Manchester (tip off 5.30pm).

He added: “After losing to Sheffield this put the championship title in somebody else’s hand to win.

“There’s not a lot we can do about that now apart from winning out the rest of our remaining games and see where we are at the end of it all. Whatever happens now, Wolves have had a successful and historic season.

“Manchester have played some great games without getting the rewards. They are very skilled with scorers in every area, so we will have to match them all over the court.”

Giants’ coach Jeff Jones said: “We have been in play-off mode since the loss at Surrey United and, when the players were challenged, I have to say they have responded really well.

“We just have to continue what we are doing and playing for each other along the lines we have the last five or six games and what happens happens.”