HEAD coach Paul James admits his players face a test of their mental strength when Worcester Wolves visit the “strange” home of Manchester Giants tomorrow (5pm).

Giants sit at the foot of the British Basketball League after losing seven of their first eight games of the season.

But James believes the “green” court at the Trafford Sportsdome adds a different dimension and makes it a tough environment for visiting teams.

“It is a strange place to go and play,” James said.

“It is always very cold and they have a green, rubbery floor which a lot of our players would not have seen before.

“It is one of those places where you have got to go and be mentally tough, tough it out and do whatever it takes to get the win.

“It will be every bit as tough as the Leicester game on the Friday night.”

Wolves defeated Manchester 101-80 in the last 16 of the BBL Cup at the University of Worcester Arena last month with Brandon Parrish top scoring with 27 points.

They have also won eight of their last 10 meetings against Giants in all competitions but James insists he is not taking any side lightly.

“Manchester are better than people think they are as they have been competitive in pretty much every game they have played,” James said.

“Most teams have improved this season and I feel we have too.

“We just need to get a full quota of players to get back fit and healthy.

“Every game we have played this season we have had a chance to win, it has only been decisions here and there which have cost us in the end.

“We have not been blown away in any games or been chasing games. We have always been there or thereabouts.

“It is just a case of closing games out, managing the expectations of players and rotating them to get the best out of the team.”