UPBEAT head coach Paul James believes there is no reason why Worcester Wolves cannot win their remaining six games if they “fire on all cylinders”.

Worcester lost 81-75 at leaders Newcastle Eagles last Friday, which all but ended their hopes of winning the British Basketball League title.

But James insisted it would have been a “miracle” for Wolves to be crowned champions even if they had defeated Newcastle and said they had always set out to make the play-offs.

Wolves host Plymouth Raiders on Friday (7.30pm) and, with a four-point advantage over fourth-placed Sheffield Sharks who have two games in hand, James said they were determined to cement their top-four place.

“If you believe in miracles then we had a slim chance of winning the title but realistically it was a matter of trying to win as many games as we could with what we have,” he said.

“Obviously, we wanted to compete for the title but it was always going to be difficult with practically a brand new team.

“Finishing in the top four was even going to be a challenge, so we have done a tremendous job to put ourselves in that position.”

After playing Plymouth, Wolves take on Leicester Riders at the University of Worcester Arena on Friday, April 1, before back-back trips to London Lions and Bristol Flyers.

A home tie against Cheshire Phoenix follows before the regular campaign finishes on Sunday, April 17, at Glasgow Rocks.

“Sheffield have games in hand but they have got to win those games whereas we have already won them,” said James, whose side have picked up 17 league victories this season.

“There are six games to go and I'd like to think we could get past the 20-victory mark, which would be a tremendous season for us.

“We are not focused on the teams in and around us, just on what we can do to get better and we want to be firing on all cylinders come the play-offs.

“The guys are all upbeat and we are really pleased with the effort we gave against Newcastle.

“If we can perform like that in the remaining league games, there is no reason why we can’t win all of them.”