Tigers out to avoid fourth Wolves loss

Mersey Tigers must be getting sick of the sight of Worcester Wolves, as they prepare to meet again on Friday night.

The two are at opposite ends of the BBL table, and have already met three times this season, with the Wolves coming out on top on every occasion.

It included 91-62 and 97-79 wins on Merseyside in successive weeks for Worcester, although the Tigers put up a good show in the reverse league fixture at Worcester, going down 93-84.

Head Coach Tony Garbelotto said: “I think we have played the Wolves more than anybody and so we know their tendencies and personal extremely well.

“Their key and main player against us has been Tommy Freeman, so it’s ironic that it looks like he will be out for the game. Saying that, they have match winners in [Sherrad] Prezzie-Blue and Richie Gordon. What has separated them from many teams though, is good team chemistry. No one seems to be a star and they play well together.

“They have really dominated us this season except for the last game. We need to do a better job defending the three-point shot and keeping Gordon out of the paint.”

But Wolves’ coach Paul James won’t be taking anything for granted despite those three wins for his team against the Tigers.

He said: “They are a team that play with a lot of energy and commitment which you come to expect from teams that are coached by Tony Garbelotto.

“They have three or four players who on their day can hurt you. Dave Aliu, Devan Bailey, Kris Douse and others on the team have shown this season at some point that they can put up big numbers.”