HEAD coach Paul James insists his players have "no time to sulk" as Worcester Wolves get set for a hectic run of fixtures in February.

Wolves have been left to lick their wounds after going down 99-88 to Cheshire Phoenix in the BBL Cup final at the Arena Birmingham last Sunday.

But Worcester now face five games in nine days, starting with a home clash against British Basketball League leaders Leicester Riders on Friday (7.30pm).

They will then take on bottom club Leeds Force on Sunday (4pm) before tackling Sheffield Sharks over two legs in the semi-final of the BBL Trophy either side of a league game against fourth-placed London Lions.

James said it was a "crucial" period as Wolves look to climb the table from seventh position and reach their second final of the season.

"There’s no time for sulking as we have got to get back on it,” James said.

"We have got Leicester and Leeds in a double-header this weekend.

"We then go straight into the Trophy semi-final games with London split in between those two legs so there are a lot of games coming up.

"In a way that’s a great thing as it means we have been doing pretty well in all competitions.

"But it does mean that games are going to start getting backed up and February is going to be a crucial month for us.

"We need to keep people fit and for them to recover properly so we will have to manage their minutes but every game is important to us.

"We can’t afford to rest anybody or let anything slip.

"We are going to have to be full-on in our preparation both mentally and physically for the month."

Wolves had won 12 of their past 13 matches before losing to an inspired Cheshire side who proved too strong in the second half.

James said his team did not do themselves justice but revealed he held a meeting with his players on Tuesday morning to clear the air and go over what they did wrong in the final.

"We were all very disappointed with the result," he said.

"I just think overall Cheshire played very well. They stepped up and did over and beyond what they have been doing all season.

"Sometimes that happens as form goes out of the window in a final and it’s about whoever shows up on the day.

"Our supporters came out in their droves which was fantastic to see so we were unhappy that we did not play the way we have been of late.

"We had a team meeting on Tuesday morning where we spoke about it a bit but the fact still remains we have played some fantastic basketball up until this point.

"We just chose the wrong game to have an off-day but it’s only one game.

"There is still plenty to play for and there’s still lots of games to come.

"It wasn’t our time but we have an opportunity now to get back to another final and hopefully we will have learnt our lesson.

"It should make us more resilient and stronger for the rest of the season."