A MOUTH-WATERING weekend is in store for Worcester Wolves as they get ready for two explosive games in 24 hours.

Wolves journey to English Basketball League Division One title favourites Worthing Thunder tonight before returning to UCW for their National Cup quarter-final against Nottingham Knights tomorrow (4pm).

Victory against Division Two outfit Nottingham would put Wolves in the hat for Monday's last four draw and one game away from the National Indoor Arena final in January.

"To have a chance to get to the semi-final on Sunday is massive for the club," said Mick Donovan, Wolves' director of basketball. "If we were to win and get a home draw we fancy beating anybody at home and the NIA in January would be fantastic."

But Donovan is under no illusions as to how tough Nottingham will be. The Knights may be second in the league below but they are a club that harbours ambitions of greater things.

"In the last two years they have invested a lot of money," Donovan said. "They have got a good side. They are aiming to be in British Basketball League team in three or four years."

Worcester also know they will be without either captain Josh Cooprider or Ty Shaw for the match because of a ruling only allowing one American in the team.

That decision is yet to be taken but player/coach Rick Solvason, not affected by the rule because he has a British passport, will play.

Donovan added: "We would have had our work cut out with them but it's even harder without them.

"If we go with Ty we are totally trusting in Wayne Robinson because he's our only other point guard that's fit. Rick Solvason will definitely be playing whatever happens and he will be a main player. He's the ace in our pack."

Fatigue could also play a part as Worcester are not due to return from tonight's crucial Worthing Thunder encounter until 3am tomorrow. The team will then sleep at UCW before sharing a meal together ahead of the Nottingham tie.