Friday 03 February 2017 Sheffield Sharks 79-77 Worcester Wolves

Worcester Wolves fell just short of a fourth successive win after a nail-biting 77-79 reversal at Sheffield Sharks on Friday.

A month ago Wolves swept aside the same opponents by over thirty points, but Sharks were this time determined to learn from their previous embarrassment and produce a much-improved showing.

The pattern for the evening was laid down early. Marek Klassen sank a triple and Sheffield captain Mike Tuck immediately replied in kind. Danny Huffor also connected twice from the outside to aid an 11-10 Worcester lead after four minutes.

Entering the second quarter, Wolves still held a slight edge at 28-27. With production spread efficiently across the team, the advantage steadily expanded to 46-36 by three minutes before half-time. However, five points from Sharks’ imposing forward Anthony Wroblicky sparked an 11-1 burst for the hosts that drew the combatants together at 47-47 by the interval.

The third quarter saw the variety of Worcester’s offense disappear. Maurice Walker and Jermel Kennedy demonstrated doggedness to tally seventeen hard-fought points between them, but without support from elsewhere it was Sheffield’s turn to profit.

Backcourt pair Rashawn Rembert and Jordan Davis led the host’s advance to a 71-66 lead as the last period began. But once more the sides drew together at 73-73 with five minutes remaining.

In the final minute, a Huffor lay-up initially appeared to have been blocked before being signalled good by the officials, nudging Wolves in front at 77-76. Enraged Sheffield fans were soon smiling again when Tuck quickly regained the lead.

With just fifteen seconds to play Worcester had the final possession, trailing 77-79. A spate of desperate shots hit nothing but air, confirming the defeat.

Walker led the statistics with 21 points and 11 rebounds, followed by Kennedy and Klassen on 14 points apiece.

Coach Paul James gave his thoughts, saying: “Sheffield played a very physical game, taking us out of our usual offense. Unfortunately we tired by the last quarter and just fell short at the end.”

Wolves now look ahead to a trip on Sunday (2pm) to Surrey Scorchers for the right to progress to a two-legged BBL Trophy semi-final versus Plymouth Raiders.

“We didn’t play up to recent performances today, but we’ll certainly look to step things back up on Sunday,” added James.