WORCESTER Wolves will be aiming to “slow down” high-scoring Plymouth Raiders when they visit the University of Worcester Arena tonight (7.30pm).

Raiders have scored more than 400 points in their last four games in the British Basketball League, including a 112-96 victory over leaders Newcastle Eagles last month.

And head coach Paul James admitted Wolves, who have struggled defensively at times this season, cannot afford to let their in-form opponents cut loose.

“They have got some individuals who can really put the points up and they share the ball exceptionally well,” James said.

“That’s why we have got to slow them down to take them out of their rhythm.

“We certainly don’t want it to be a high-scoring game.

“We will struggle if it is so we have got to limit their point production and be on our game offensively and defensively.”

James, whose side suffered a disappointing 81-74 defeat to lowly Bristol Flyers before the Christmas break, continued: “Plymouth are a team who are playing with a lot of confidence right now.

“But it is really going to come down to who wants it more on the day, who is going to battle for it and it will come down to execution down the stretch.

“We have got the guys to do that but just need to put in that 40-minute shift and if we can do that we will give ourselves a chance of winning the game.”

Seventh-placed Wolves’ five victories this season have come against sides who sit below them in the league standings.

Plymouth are one place above Worcester and James insisted they would need to start recording wins over sides in the upper echelons of the table to “cement” their position in the top eight.

“It would be nice to start picking up some wins against teams who are ahead of us in the league,” he said.

“There is still quite a long way to go in the season but we want to cement our place in the play-offs.

“That has to happen sooner rather than later but all we can do is continue to work hard and more importantly make sure we give everything come game day.”

After a two-week break from competitive action, James said he had a fully-fit squad to choose from as they look to avenge their 94-81 defeat at Plymouth last month.

Small forward Trevor Setty looks set to start against his former club, while 6ft 10in Canadian Maurice Walker will be bidding to secure double figures in points and rebounds for a sixth successive match.

“It has not been the start we would have wanted this season,” James added.

“But there is always another game and a win will make everybody feel a lot better so we will be going out there to finish this year on a winning note.”