Wolves looking to go 4-0 against Tigers
Damian
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The Worcester Wolves return to action this Friday night with a trip to Knowsley to take on the Tigers for the fourth time this term.
Worcester will be hoping to go 4-0 against Garbelotto’s men after two wins in the Championship against Mersey and a win in the Cup already in the bank this season. The winning margin has reduced each game however and after a 29 point difference in the opener it finished 93-84 to the home side when they last met in Worcester.
That game was just over a month ago and saw the Tigers keep themselves in the game throughout with a big performance from David Aliu. Form after that game swings things further in favour of the visitors in this one as the Tigers have lost five Championship games on the bounce since. After a 15 day break, the Wolves are coming in to the game with a 2-1 record since they last played the Tigers. The two victories coming against Newcastle and Glasgow.
There is another big factor to weigh in to the equation and that is the suspension of Tommy Freeman. In two of the three games against the Tigers so far, he has put in ten minute spells that have turned the game heavily in Worcester’s favour.
Freeman’s absence could see Callum Jones given a place in the starting five and more minutes on the hardwood. That state of affairs is no bad thing for the Wolves and the guard would obviously welcome more court time.
Carlos Fernandez has improved in every game as he gets used to life in the BBL and his drive and ball handling skills will be in big demand if Worcester are to see this one through. Prezzie-Blue may be asked to shoot more from three where possible and Mr Consistent Richie Gordon will again hold the key to the W.
For the Tigers, Kris Douse has been a force this season in support of Aliu and Bailey and Hesson are very promising young talents too. If they can all start to perfrom consistently as a unit they have the potential to turn their fortunes around.
Their game on Friday starts in the backcourt however as they have to concentrate on keeping Gordon out of the paint and to stop Worcester’s shooters finding space to drain one from long range. David Watts is carrying a rib injury for Wolves but is expected to play. Watts could have a big say in this one with his height in defence and his excellent ability from 20 feet.
