Preview: Bristol Flyers v Worcester Wolves

From BBL.org.uk

Bristol Flyers’ defeat to Leicester Riders last week has shown Roy Owen where the BBL newcomers need to be, with another title challenger in town this weekend.

Flyers host Worcester Wolves on Saturday, having been limited to 59 points by Riders last time out.

However, Owen feels Flyers must use that as motivation to drive them forward.

“Losing against Leicester was extremely frustrating,” said the Bristol guard.

“Their defence was intense all game and we didn’t make it as competitive as we wanted it to be. Whenever we play against a top-three team we just use it as motivation.

“That’s the level we want to play at every game. We have shown spells of how good we can be, it’s now about us playing at our highest level every single game.”

Andreas Kapoulas’ side certainly reached a high level when they beat Wolves in the BBL Cup back in October.

Owen believes that display provides the blueprint for what is required this time around, as they chase a BBL Play-off spot.

“When we beat Worcester we had every play coming in a playing their best games,” added Owen.

“To beat any of the teams that are at the top of the league it’s going to take our best efforts from all of our players. We rely heavily on playing team basketball so from our starters to our bench guys, everyone has to be on their ‘A game’.

“The Play-off race is extremely tight so it really feels like every game is a Play-off game already. I have a lot of faith in our team that we are going to make the Play-offs, but for now it’s just about taking one game at a time.”

Last time they met:

Worcester Wolves 79 Bristol Flyers 65 (BBL Championship, University of Worcester Arena, 28/11/2014)

What they say:

Wolves coach Paul James: “Bristol have got guys who have played together for a few years now and know each other inside out and make the most of the talent they have.

“I’m not surprised at how well they have done this season and the success they have had, because they are so well organised. You’ve got to prepare just as well for them as you would Newcastle or Leicester and having played them a few times already, we certainly won’t be taking them lightly.”

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