HEAD coach Paul James has urged his players to go “beyond” the pain barrier in Worcester Wolves’ BBL Trophy semi-final against Plymouth Raiders tonight (7.30pm).

Wolves travel to Plymouth Pavilions for the first leg after two “very physical” games in three days over the weekend.

They were edged out 79-77 at Sheffield Sharks in the British Basketball League last Friday before beating Surrey Scorchers 86-82 in the Trophy quarter-final on Sunday.

James admits some of his players are feeling “a bit beaten up” but insists “everyone will be ready” for this evening’s clash.

“We have got guys with niggles who are a bit beaten up after two very physical games at the weekend,” he said.

“But we have got to get beyond that as we have now got the opportunity to go a long way to putting ourselves into the final. The injuries should not come into play.

“Everyone will be ready regardless of what they have got. If you can’t get ready for this game then you never will be.”

Wolves bid to reach the final at the Emirates Arena, Glasgow, on March 19 for the first time since they won the competition in 2014.

James said they would be aiming to win in Plymouth and give themselves an advantage to build on in the second leg at the University of Worcester Arena on Friday, February 24 (7.30pm).

“We are where we want to be which is fantastic and will prepare as best we can to hopefully put on a good show in the first leg,” James continued. “We have to play our normal game with tough defence and try to win.

“We will see where we are towards end as we will either manage the clock or try to force the issue a bit.

“But we want to make sure we are still in the tie when they come back to us for the second leg.”

Plymouth will be buoyed by their recent performances against Worcester as they won 94-81 at home in November and 87-84 at the arena in December.

But James believes it is “anyone’s game” as Wolves aim to seal their final place against either Cheshire Phoenix or the winner of Leicester Riders and Newcastle Eagles who played last night.

“We have played Plymouth twice and they were two very close games,” James added.

“I think (Maurice Walker) was pretty new to us then so I think we are playing much better now.

“Both teams are very evenly matched and whoever plays best over the two legs will win.

“But it is a great opportunity for us to get to the final and I am sure it is going to be an immense tie.”