WORCESTER Wolves are facing a gruelling 24-hour double-header in the British Basketball League.

Tonight, Chuck Evans takes his side to Newcastle Eagles (7.30pm) before returning home to face MK Lions at the University of Worcester tomorrow evening (7pm).

Having let slip an 18-point lead in the second-half of their BBL Cup match at Leicester Riders last weekend, Evans wants his side to regain their focus.

“We must learn to play together for the full 40 minutes,” Evans said. “We performed well for 20 minutes, but totally fell apart in the second-half at Leicester.”

It is the second time in two weeks, both against the Riders, Wolves have slumped in the final quarter.

Now Evans is calling for his players to stand up and be counted on the court.

“The main reason for the loss is that we lack on-court leadership,” he said.

“We also need some guys to step up at critical moments, like Bradd Wierzbicki did for Leicester when Tack Minor went out of the game with an injury.

“At present, we don’t have those two elements, but we are definitely addressing those issues.”

Evans is expected to hand a home debut to Nerijus Karlikanovas after the Lithuanian forward made his debut in Leicester last Saturday night.

Karlikanovas hit 13 points in 17 minutes, including three three-pointers, but Evans may be without guard Evaldas Zabas after he limped out of the Riders defeat with a groin injury.

But the Worcester coach is hopeful that his side can get back on track despite their tough double-header.

“We have two difficult games this weekend. Newcastle is always hard because of their talent, experience and physical play,” Evans said.

“I can repeat the same sentiments for Milton Keynes, although it’s a home game for us. It’s a question of whether we can defend and rebound to initiate our transition game.

“Newcastle and Milton Keynes are very good at both ends of the floor for 40 minutes and that is why they are in the top half of the table.”

The Eagles are sitting third in the BBL table having won six matches out of nine, while MK Lions are one place above Newcastle on points difference but do have a game in hand.

“I went to watch Newcastle play Cheshire Jets on Sunday and it was more like American football — we have to be prepared for that,” Evans said.

“It is not ideal having Newcastle away and then a home match the following day, but that is the nature of our sport.

“We have to make sure we are prepared properly.

“But to see where we are now, compared to where were when we got beaten by Sheffield Sharks, shows that there has been a massive improvement.”