DURHAM WILDCAT Keith Page is optimistic his side can earn a place in the post-season play-offs, with BBL Championship points at stake in tonight’s trip to Plymouth Raiders.

Wildcats are still in the play-off hunt in what looks likely to be a fascinating second half of the season, going into the game in 11th spot with a 5-13 record – but with games in hand over their rivals for a post-season spot.

Wildcats guard Page said: “It’ll be a tough game but we need to keep going with the little run we’ve got.

“If we can get 12 wins I think we can get in the playoffs, we definitely have a chance of that. We still have to play Giants, Phoenix and Lions again and if we can get the tiebreaks that will give us a good chance. Plus we need to make sure we do a job in our two games against Mersey.”

Raiders will be looking to wrap up the season series between the teams having hammered Wildcats 113-68 in the North-East in mid-November, and also won all four of last season’s meeting in Durham’s BBL debut season.

Durham playcaller Dave Elderkin is expecting an improvement this time around.

“It’s the second time we’ve played Plymouth and the second time it’s been a TV game.

We want to show the cameras that we are a very different Wildcats,” said Elderkin, who takes his side to Cheshire Phoenix on Sunday in the second of a double-header.

“They brought a very high tempo game to Aycliffe, supported by some great shooting, and even with a change of personnel we don’t expect a different approach at the Pavilions.”