DAVE Elderkin admits the new-look Mersey Tigers are an unknown quantity for his Durham Wildcats, writes OWEN EVANS.

Tonight’s trip (tip-off 7.30pm) is a chance for Elderkin’s Wildcats to take the scalp of the BBL champions, although in truth the Tigers are a completely different outfit from the club that scooped three pieces of silverware last year.

The Wildcats come into the match on a two-game losing streak, with their only victory coming against the Cheshire Jets – a tight 74-72 win on the opening day of the season.

This is the first year in the BBL for the side, after a quick succession of promotions, and head of basketball Dave Elderkin’s recent call for the team to push for the play-offs may now seem a little premature after the difficult start to the campaign.

Elderkin is hoping for an improvement from last game’s 75-95 drumming at the hands of Glasgow Rocks, and is confident that the Wildcats can get the result they need.

“Both teams are very keen to win the game.

“They [Mersey Tigers] have not picked up a point yet this season, and they’ve had a very, very big change of personnel, which may mean they know us better than we know them,” he said.

Elderkin is not too worried about the Tigers’ home advantage either, saying: “We’ve had three games away this year, and we’ve travelled well.

“It’s a big game for both teams and the adrenaline should be running. We should be going into the match with a fully fit team.”

He also added that being knocked out of both cup competitions already this year could be a blessing in disguise, saying: “We weren’t ready then, but we’re better now, we have a good enough shape and have worked on defence more now.

“We feel more prepared and we’re looking forward to the game.”

Mersey Tigers have been in disappointing form this season, having not picked up a point in their first three games.

They will be going into the match trying to rediscover the form that saw them win the BBL Championship last year.