WORCESTER Wolves head coach Paul James is demanding his players perform as a unit in tomorrow’s British Basketball League (BBL) home clash against Cheshire Phoenix (7.30pm).

James was “bitterly disappointed” and “shell-shocked” after Wolves crashed to a 77-70 home defeat against rivals London Lions last weekend in the BBL Cup quarter-finals.

The head coach slammed his side for playing as individuals and paying the price with a disappointing cup exit.

James knows his third-placed side must step up to the mark against second-bottom Phoenix and he’s hoping for another bumper crowd at the University of Worcester Arena.

“I am still bitterly disappointed with what went on against London Lions,” said James.

“I did not see it coming at all.

"Our performance against Leeds was a fantastic team dispay. Wwe had a good performance against Sheffield and we’d had a really good week of practice leading up to the game.”

The defeat ended Wolves’ run of four successive wins along with their BBL Cup challenge.

James said: “I was shell-shocked to see us go on to the court and play like individuals.

“We are only as good as our last game and that was bitterly disappointing.

“The players need to concentrate on their job in hand and stay focused rather than believing their own press.

“If we can come together as one unit I know what sort of team we can be.

"There are no days off or easy games in this league - we have to play our best and that's the requirement tonight."

Ben Eaves needs just three more defensive rebounds to reach 500 in the BBL, while Phoenix are conceding 86.67 points-per-game - more than any other team.

Phoenix recorded an 89-75 success against Wolves at the Northgate Arena when the teams last met, in February this year.

But Phoenix crashed 82-74 at home to Leeds Force last weekend and have lost their last five matches.

Phoenix’s last win was 97-89 at Sheffield Sharks on October 2.

Phoenix coach John Lavery said: "Paul James has recruited well. He’s got Jay Couisnard, who has played in the BBL before, Eaves, Pavol Lososnky.

"Disraeli Lufadeju is the only guy he kept from last year but all the pieces he has put around those guys seem to be working and they are a well-run team.

“They’ve had a great start to the campaign. We have just got to go there with confidence and take care of what we need to do.”

More than 1,200 fans – Wolves' biggest home crowd of the season - watched their loss against Lions.

James is hoping to reward the Wolves supporters with a win at Hylton Road.

James said: "Cheshire seem to have some good talent on the team, but have not been consistent in their performances. They are a dangerous team if taken lightly.”

Wolves are also in action on Saturday, travelling to bottom-of-the-table Plymouth University Raiders in the league (7.30pm).