Wildcats have enjoyed a good start to the season, including a narrow quarter-final win over the Cheshire Phoenix – before Phoenix got their revenge in the league last weekend.

But Davie has his heart set on this competition and is desperate for a return to form on Friday.

He said: “We set the season goal of making it out of the first round of the Cup and then putting the best Cup run together we possibly can.

“The guys are really excited for the opportunity that Friday’s game presents.

“We have tremendous respect for Sheffield and we want to have our best game of the year so far on Friday night.”

Sharks swept Durham aside when the teams met a month ago.

But Davie is ready to make the necessary adjustments to turn the tables.

“Sheffield have a very experienced and successful core group of guys that bring a lot to their team,” Davie added.

“We need to shrink the floor defensively making it difficult for the guards to get in the lane and post entry passes to Mike Tuck, Patrick Horstmann and Da’Quan Cook.

“Offensively we had one of our worst games of the year against them last time around. We’ve made some changes and we’ll see what they bring come Friday night.”

Last time they met:

One Health Sharks Sheffield 81 Durham Wildcats 67 (BBL Championship, EIS Sheffield, 25/10/2013)

What they say:

Sharks coach Atiba Lyons: “I think we went in to last week’s game a little too over confident after a few good wins. We are still a pretty young team and mentally it showed with how we started the game and responded to Lions’ intensity.

“Our mental toughness needs to improve and we cannot be as inconsistent in this regard.”

Wildcats guard Kirk Crecco: “Our mentality right now is to approach every game as a ‘must-win’ as well as an opportunity to improve.

“We are focused on trying to make November the best month that we can make it.

“Being able to advance in the Cup would be a great step in the right direction for our franchise and our team is excited about the opportunity.”

For information about tickets visit www.sharksbasketball.co.uk.

Story – BBL

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