WORCESTER Wolves are plotting their first home win of the season as they return to the University of Worcester after three weeks away tonight (7.00).
Wolves, who have won two of their last three British Basketball League games, host bottom-of-the-table PAWS London Capitals.
The last home game for Skouson Harker’s side was a 108-88 defeat to Newcastle Eagles on October 25 and they were third-from-bottom in the table before last night’s fixtures.
Player-coach Harker admitted: “I know very little about the Capitals. But I do know they play hard and compete vigorously in every game and we must be ready to match their intensity and energy.
“It is a very big game for us as we try to move up the table. We will concentrate on our game and try to keep improving.”
Wolves’ last game saw them win a high-scoring shoot-out in Worthing 116-110 two weeks ago.
Harker was the stand-out player for the city club with an impressive double-double of 32 points and 18 rebounds.
Wolves are the highest point-scorers in the BBL with an average of more than 94 scored each time they go on court.
They have three of the top 10 individual scorers with Harker and Brown at just under 20 per game and Anthony Paez with 25.
Harker continued: “Offensively, we have some guys who get the job done.
“It is an easy criticism to say that we play little ‘D’ but as we get up more shots than most teams it is only natural that our opponents do the same.
“However, I do agree that our close-outs and pressure does need to be more consistent.”
Capitals have already used 20 different players this year and are yet to play either of the two Americans who reportedly signed for them or the experienced Santa Ataha.
Luckily for Wolves, there has been no sign either of the prolific Wes Miller, who poured in 49 points against Milton Keynes Lions two seasons ago.
Only two players have played in all the games for the Capitals so far but they recorded a win at Guildford Heat last month in which their English point-guard Kaleston Wood netted 26 points.
Top-scorer Ibrahim Gariba, with 15 points per game, has been with the Capitals since they joined the BBL in 2007.
Capitals coach Milek Jivens said: “I have not seen Wolves play as yet this season but I do know they have an outstanding performer in Paez.
“However, it is not about the Wolves or their individuals, it is about us. We have to execute and keep focus.”
Capitals have lost their last two games against Sheffield and Milton Keynes but Jivens has not pressed the panic button.
He added: “For us to win, all we have to do is play well as a unit and successfully complete moves at the key times in the game.”
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