LAST week's magnificent victory over Worcester Wolves has done Solent Stars the world of good in their quest to make the English Basketball League Division 1 play-offs.

First-team coach Alan Cunningham feels so enthusiastic that he can't wait for tonight's home fixture against Teesside Mohawks (Fleming Park, 8pm).

"We had great support last week in our win over Worcester Wolves, and we are hoping the crowds will build up again and help us through the second half of the season and make it like the old days!" he smiled.

"The performances from Ollie Marsh, Paul Silcox and Larry Parker in our victory over Worcester need to be repeated if we are to conquer the Mohawks."

Teesside are currently lying fifth in the league having won six of their ten matches, but Solent are hoping their visitors will be a little ring-rusty.

The three-week Christmas break was extended to four weeks for the weather-hit Mohawks, who were unable to travel to Reading Rockets last weekend.

When the teams last met in the first match of the league season, Solent lost 84-71. But only six of Cunningham's current squad played in that game which followed a horrendous journey north because of a closed motorway.

Club captain Mark Jackson came through the Worcester match unscathed on his return from injury and Solent's two Scottish players, Graham Hunter and Michael McGregor, have returned from their Christmas break.

Having moved up to tenth in the league, Solent will be looking for more points in pursuit of an end-of-season play-off place.

First on court at Fleming Park tonight (6pm) are Solent's men's second team, who take on Brixton Topcats in a repeat of their opening fixture of the season.

That day they won 94-55, but Brixton have improved since and climbed to eighth having won three of their eight league games.

The Londoners will, however, be without suspended coach Jimmy Rodgers tonight.

Last week's loss at South Notts College displaced Solent from top spot, so they cannot afford any more slip-ups.

Although 6ft 7in, Andy Aung will again be missing, Dave McKay and Liam Wyatt are back to strengthen the team.

Coach Mick Byrne will also be trying out a couple of the under-18 squad at training with the strong possibility that 6ft 10in Joel Freelands will be given a senior league debut.