HEAD coach Paul James insists his players need to learn to stay “switched on” for the entire match to end Worcester Wolves’ losing streak in British Basketball League.

Wolves built up an impressive 19-point advantage over unbeaten leaders Newcastle Eagles at Sport Central last Friday.

But a “lack of concentration” cost Wolves dear as the high-flying hosts pulled off a stunning fightback in the final quarter to win 101-96.

James said the result was “difficult to take” but felt the experience of squandering a big lead would be a “learning curve” for his men.

“Unfortunately we had a couple of people missing defensive assignments towards the back end of the third quarter and going into the fourth,” James said.

“There were a couple of turnovers and calls that didn’t go our way and before you know it it’s a nine-point game.

“When you have got Newcastle down you have got to keep them down and play for 40 minutes.

“Unfortunately a lack of concentration cost us the game.

“We should have done a better job in closing them out and finding a way (to win) but we didn’t so it’s a bit of a learning curve for us.”

Despite suffering their third straight league defeat, James was pleased with his side’s performance at Eagles and felt there were signs of progress.

Ashton Khan (16), Brandon Parrish (12), Trayvon Palmer (16), Dallin Bachynski (18), Alex Navajas (20) and Jermel Kennedy (12) all reached double figures in points scored.

“For 32 minutes of the game we did a tremendous job,” said James whose team are third from bottom.

“We had six guys in double figures, did a good job of rebounding and shared the ball well so we did a lot of things right and against any other team on that night we would have won.

“But Newcastle are a different machine. They never say die and keep coming and in the end they broke us down.

“We went away from what got us the lead and they capitalised on that.”

James said Wolves were now determined to put Cheshire Phoenix to the sword when they visit the University of Worcester Arena tomorrow (7.30pm).

“We have shown we can compete with the best of the league,” James added.

“We have put a game-plan together which can counteract their skills.

“But what we didn’t do was make sure we were really switched on and focused for 40 minutes.

“That’s something we have got to work on and hopefully the next time we are in that situation we will finish the game in the right manner.”