IN-FORM duo James Life and Anthony Paez will need to be on top of their game if Worcester Wolves are to take anything from tonight's daunting British Basketball League home encounter with high-flying Newcastle Eagles (7pm).

In the five BBL meetings between the two sides, the University of Worcester-based outfit have yet to seriously test Eagles, who are currently second in the table.

However, on-song Wolves go into the game full of confidence, having won five of their last seven games.

One of the main talking points among BBL coaches has been Wolves' guard pairing of Life, scoring average leader with 26 points, and Paez, who is third in the individual standings with 24 points.

Wolves' director of basketball Mick Donovan said: "Everyone seems to be talking about the pair and we know that they will receive a great deal of attention on the court.

"While they are undoubtedly two of the most special talents we have had at the club, we have some other very good players who are also capable of being match-winners.

"We always look forward to hosting the top teams and they do not come much bigger than Newcastle - they are a fine club with a great tradition of success."

Wolves have shaken off their tag as the league's whipping boys and their BBL rivals are taking them as a serious threat.

Tonight's contest sees renewed rivalry between Worcester head coach Skouson Harker and Newcastle player-coach Fab Flournoy.

The duo clashed in a brawl when Harker played for Birmingham Bullets.

But Harker claims the incident is now water under the bridge.

He said: "We did have an unpleasant conflict, but that is now in the past and I have tremendous respect for Fab as a player and a coach.

"It will be competitive on the night and that is how it should be. The Wolves players are relishing the contest."

There should be tickets available on the door tonight.