HEAD coach Paul James reckons only victory will do for Worcester Wolves against Newcastle Eagles tonight if they are to keep alive their dream of winning the British Basketball League.

Second-place Wolves take on the table-toppers at the University Arena in Worcester’s biggest match of the season so far (7.30pm).

Wolves are four points behind Fab Flournoy’s side, and have also played a game more, but they are the only team to have beaten the Eagles this term.

An 86-81 triumph in the North East on the opening day of the campaign in September underlined Worcester’s title credentials and another win tonight would give them the coveted head-to-head record over their rivals.

James, also looking to have a new player in the ranks for tonight, said: “It is a game that we need to win to realistically keep us in the hunt. When I look at the other teams in the league, who else is going to beat Newcastle if we don’t?

“If we lose this game it’s going to be a tall order to win the Championship and then we’ll be playing for second, third and fourth spot. It’s a massive game for us.

“They probably could afford to have a loss because of where they are but they’ve got some big games to come. They’ve still got to play Leicester three times and Cheshire twice.

“But they’re in the kind of rhythm where it doesn’t matter how they play, they find a way to win and they’re playing with a lot of confidence right now.”

Tonight’s match is Wolves’ sole fixture this weekend but Newcastle also face Glasgow Rocks in the BBL Cup final at the NIA on Sunday.

James, whose side are aiming for a fourth consecutive victory, said: “It’s a difficult situation for them this week with the cup final.

“It’s two massive games for them and they’re going to want to come out of the weekend with something.

“They’ll know that I’ll have the team prepared well for this game and that we’ll challenge them. We’re going to do our best to win this game and we’re not going to make it easy.

“We’ve got to leave it all on the floor, give it everything we’ve got and what will be, will be.”

Captain Alex Owumi added: “This is a very important game because we’re the only team that have beaten them.We’ve always matched up well with Newcastle since I’ve been here but they’re a very good team and have a great coach.

“We just have to win the game, that’s what we’re focused on.”