HEAD coach Paul James insists victory over Newcastle Eagles has to give Worcester Wolves the belief they can succeed for a second year running in the play-offs.

Wolves won 88-81 at the University Arena to record a third consecutive British Basketball League success of the season over the leaders - a sequence that stretches to four in all competitions following last May’s play-off final triumph.

While Newcastle look set to secure the title, Wolves are aiming to finish second and hit the ground running in the play-offs.

James said: “We’re looking to build now going into the play-offs and if this doesn’t tell the players that if we pull together and fight we can beat anybody to have a real chance in the play-offs, nothing will.

“That’s the kind of gutsy, committed, determined performance we need, period. When we do that, fight for each other and we’re tough mentally and physically we can achieve anything.

“I’m delighted with the way we performed, especially bouncing back after the way we played against London, which wasn’t great at all.

“Hopefully, we can carry this momentum on now for the rest of the season.”

The Wolves chief described the win, delayed by 10 minutes to allow for a sell-out crowd at the University Arena, as a night to remember.

He said: “To get three wins over Newcastle is very special and the people that were here to see that witnessed something very special.

“I hope if people have come for the first time that they enjoyed it enough to come back again.”