Sunday 01 November 2015 Sheffield Sharks 87-90 Worcester Wolves

Boosted by a sensational second-half performance from new signing Josh Cameron, Worcester Wolves emerged victorious 90-87 following a rousing comeback at Sheffield Sharks on Sunday.

After a ponderous start to proceedings, Wolves trailed 48-61 by midway through the third quarter. Cameron inked the scoresheet for the first time with a triple, before backcourt partner Jay Couisnard did likewise. By the close of the period the pair had combined for a further thirteen points and the gap had closed to 65-69.

A double of baskets for Cameron put the visitors in front at 88-85 with less than a minute remaining before Sharks’ top scorer Mike Cook replied. With seconds left Cook then put forward a clumsy shot that could have taken the win, leaving Worcester and their travelling fans to celebrate.

Wolves’ coach Paul James summarised what took place, exclaiming: “We always seem to have close games in Sheffield, though it certainly didn’t look that way at half-time. But we’re growing as a team and we had to keep believing – we dug in, we got some key stops and we got our reward.”

Point guard Ashton Khan displayed the skills that had earnt him a spot on the latest British Basketball League Team of the Week to produce confident drives to the hoop, while centre Perris Blackwell bustled his way to a trio of scores in an early 23-18 lead. A lapse in concentration allowed Sharks to claim four points in thirty seconds to end the first period.

The hosts’ momentum carried over into the next quarter, with forward Antone Robinson particularly prominent. Cameron was introduced to the court but failed to make an impact, clearly demonstrating his newness to the British rules of the game by illegally calling for a time-out when surrounded by his opponents.

However, after the interval, the debutant soon cast off any clouds of doubt once his first shot had found the target. After slicing through flailing defenders for his second success, the rest of the afternoon saw only continuing prosperity. Ten points were accumulated in the third quarter, with an identical production for the last period.

Sheffield’s striving to contain Cameron led to more inside opportunities for the aggressive Blackwell to convert, on his way to an impressive 21 point and 14 rebound display.

James was full of praise for his players saying: “Jay and Perris had big games, as did Ashton. He’s getting better with every game as he understands how to run the team.

“Sheffield are a tough physical side and Josh needed the first ten minutes or so to get used to the level of play. After that he had a fantastic offensive display to put up 20 points – no one can grumble about that.”

 

The first chance for home fans to see Cameron don a Wolves vest will come this Friday at the University of Worcester Arena, (tip off 7.30), when London Lions are the visitors in the quarter-final of the BBL Cup.

James is anticipating an exciting contest, saying: “This will be a massive match for us and it will be good to see the Williams brothers, Jamal and Kai, coming back to town.

“But we’ll focus on what we do. Sheffield was huge for us – to do what we did today, on the road, against a side coming off two big wins, shows that we have plenty to offer this year.”