WORCESTER Wolves’ fans have been urged to create an “intimidating” atmosphere tonight in a bid to give London Lions a fright (7.30pm).

Supporters are expected to pack into the 2,000-capacity University of Worcester Arena for the first leg of the British Basketball League play-off tie.

And head coach Paul James believes the Wolves faithful can make a difference as Wolves look to put themselves in a strong position ahead of Sunday’s return leg (4pm).

A record crowd of 1,820 roared Worcester to a 110-78 win over Cheshire Phoenix last Friday and James is hoping for a similar turnout this evening.

“Having 1,800 people against you can make it an intimidating place to play and that’s what we want,” James said.

“It can be a really positive environment for a home team as it can spur the players on to want to play that little bit harder to get that extra rebound and focus a bit more.

“We are looking forward to it, but it’s up to the guys to go out there and give the fans something to cheer about as well.

“If we could come away with some sort of lead going into Sunday’s game that would be fantastic.”

London finished five places higher than Wolves in second position and won 88-72 on their previous visit to the arena in September.

But Worcester have beaten Lions twice at The Copper Box this season, winning 97-85 in February and 86-77 last month.

“Apart from the first game of the season when they beat us we have done well against them,” James said.

“They are a very different team now as they are bigger and more physical than they were on the opening day.

“But that maybe plays into our hands as we match up very well with them and I think that’s why we have been able to beat them a couple of times away from home.

“It is going to be a tough game as they have probably got one of the best point guards in the league in Justin Robinson.

“He is somebody we are going to have to take care of and then we have got to focus on ourselves.

“We have got the firepower coming from every area of the game but it will be down to whether we can defend at a higher enough standard over the two legs to get through.”

An aggregate victory over Lions could see Wolves face leaders Leicester Riders in the semi-final next week.

Leicester who tackle Sheffield Sharks in the quarter-final finished 10 points clear at the top of the table.

“It’s going to be really tough for us to make it through to the final,” said James who won the play-offs in 2014.

“We have got to get past the second seed in London and if Leicester beat Sheffield we will have to face the first seed. It is a tough route, but we are excited.”