WORCESTER Wolves player-coach Skouson Harker is demanding an improved display at home to title-chasing Everton Tigers on Saturday night (7pm).

Wolves suffered a shock 84-82 loss at London Capital last weekend as the hosts ended a 29-game losing streak.

Harker was upset with the performance and said: “Obviously, we have some players struggling with the concept of what it is to be a professional basketball player.

“With the same preparation in practice all week as any game all year, to come out and play like that is tough. Mentally, we showed little toughness and focus.

“We were up 13 points after the first-half and it was our worst half of basketball of the season. So I think that explains how bad the second-half was.

“It is really sad when our game-plan is to attack and take it to the basket and we put up 35 three-pointers.

“All 35 of those were wide open so to only make 10 of them is frustrating but as a team we win and as a team we lose.”

Harker has no doubts his team face a big test as the Tigers battle with Newcastle Eagles for top spot.

He continued: “Everton are a good team who will only get better from year to year.

“Tigers clearly have the most talent in the BBL and are not out of the race for the championship yet so I am sure we will get their best.

“Andre Smith is really a tough player down low but at the same time they go to him a lot and, to be honest, at this level a lot of it is touches. But no question he does produce the goods.

“Richard Midgley is a very solid player as well but the glue guy for them is Marcus Bailey as he is willing to do all the little things that winners do to win games.

“He brings a lot of intangibles to the table and, in my mind, is one of the top few all-round players in the BBL.

“I wish we had a guy like him as we are desperate for some leaders on court that are worried about more than their stats.”

Wolves face a tough weekend as they travel to leaders Newcastle on Sunday (5.30pm) but Harker is unconcerned about the task.

He declared: “I have no doubt we will play good ball this weekend. Will this translate into wins? I don’t know, we will see.”

Eagles suffered a surprise 87-86 defeat when they travelled to the University of Worcester in February.

The previous meeting came last October and went according to the form-book with Fab Flournoy’s team winning 102-88.

Harker added: “Newcastle are the best team in the league. Even when we beat them a while back, I was convinced that they would win the BBL and that will still be the case in my opinion.”