WORCESTER Wolves are hoping to give their English Basketball League (EBL) Division One title-charge a real lift by claiming their fir-st ever win over Reading Rockets.

Wolves travel to the Rivermead Sports Centre tonight (7.45pm) for the first of two massive away games in the space of four days.

On Saturday, the University of Worcester side take on title rivals Worthing Thunder, who are -- along with Reading -- the biggest obstacle between Wolves and the championship crown.

Reading, who are fourth, have five games in hand on leaders Worthing, who have played 20 matches.

However, second-placed Wolves are just four points, or two wins, behind the league leaders with two games in hand -- a recipe for a tense climax to the Division One season.

Tonight's game marks the start of a gruelling spell of three home games in just five days for Rockets -- a run of fixtures that could well decide the outcome of this year's competition.

Wolves secured a thrilling victory in overtime on Sunday over the rejuvenated London United despite key players Andy Harper (twisted ankle) and Ty Shaw (blow to the head) playing the game while carrying injuries.

Wolves head coach Josh Cooprider is confident the pair will be available tonight though. He said: "We had concerns for both players after the game, however they have made improvements in the last 48 hours and I expect them both to play.

"We made a slow start against London and missed several shooting opportunities in the first-half.

But the character shown by the guys on the court clearly shows how much we have developed both mentally and physically during the season.

"London brought their best game and our players responded magnificently in the second-half."

Since their promotion to EBL Division One, Wolves have yet to beat Reading and last season they lost narrowly in the league games as well as in the semi-final of the National Cup. Tonight's game is the first meeting of the teams this season. They meet again on the last day of the campaign in Worcester.