WORCESTER Wolves will look to make history tonight (Wednesday) by reaching their first major final in the British Basketball League when they take on Sheffield Sharks in the second leg of the BBL Trophy semi-final.
Another big crowd is expected at the University of Worcester Arena to cheer on Wolves, who go into the crunch encounter (7.30pm tip-off) with a slender 62-60 first leg following Friday’s first leg clash.
Since achieving promotion to the top flight of British basketball in 2006, this is only the third time Worcester Wolves have reached the semi-final stages of any competition.
And it has been a case of heartache for the club in their two previous last four appearances after being unable to bounce back from large first leg deficits.
In 2011 Plymouth Raiders walked away from the city with a huge 28-point advantage and last year Wolves were put to the sword by Leicester Riders.
But with a slight lead at the halfway stage this time around, Worcester Wolves director of basketball Paul James said his side were in confident mood ahead of the big game.
“It’s still anybody’s game, we’ve got a two-point lead and Sheffield now have to travel to us,” he said.
“We’re feeling good about Wednesday with a chance to make some history for the Wolves.
“We’ve been playing well since November, going unbeaten for nearly three months. This recognition is testament to the effort and hard work put in by the team, and for the focus that they have shown.
“Hopefully we can now put on a great performance for the fans on Wednesday and win through to our first ever final.”
However, Wolves’ position in the tie could have been so much better had it not been for a poor final period which ended with what was at one point a 20-point lead being reduced to just two points.