Wilbur Johnson has revealed his extra incentive to impress when he steps forward for the tip-off in Brighton Bears' biggest game in years.

Johnson and his Bears team-mates bid to prevent Chester Jets grabbing a fourth trophy this season when they tackle them in a BBL play-off semi-final at the Coventry Skydome on Sunday (6pm).

Much could depend on whether Johnson wins his battle of the big men around either basket.

The 6ft 8ins centre saw Chester star Calvin Davis, many people's tip for BBL player-of-the year, claim 20 rebounds when the sides met two weeks ago at Burgess Hill.

Now he wants to turn the tables and produce the kind of improved performance which helped Bears edge past Newcastle in their epic quarter-final last weekend.

Johnson admitted: "I didn't play too great a couple of weeks ago when Davis had 20 rebounds.

"They weren't all against me but you always look at the match-ups of the centres and he had 26 points and 20 boards.

"I'm going to keep that in the back of my mind going into Sunday and see if we can change things around a bit."

Johnson insists his experience of the big occasion can be vital for Bears.

He added: "My role has changed this season. I do the little things, maybe set screens, get rebounds, things like that.

"I'm not really looking to score. I'm probably about fourth option.

"But last Sunday we had guys in foul trouble and I took it upon myself to do little bit more. I told myself that when I get the ball I'm going to be a threat like I used to be."

Bears were back in training yesterday though quarter-final hero Rodger Farrington admitted they had not been taxed too much.

Farrington, one of the few players in the BBL never to have lost against Chester, said: "We know what we are preparing for. Chester will be athletic and get up and down the floor real fast."

Bears coach Nick Nurse, a play-off winner with Manchester Giants two years ago, was looking for extra inspiration in his old home city last night.

Nurse, who is targeting a European slot for his Bears, was experiencing the thrill of a big Champions League night as United beat Deportivo.