Surrey Scorchers 77-89 Worcester Wolves

Worcester Wolves’ improving form continued as they made it eight wins from their last ten outings with an 89-77 British Basketball League success at Surrey Scorchers on Saturday.

Putting aside Friday’s disappointment of overcoming Plymouth Raiders, but by an insufficient aggregate margin to progress to the BBL Trophy Final, Worcester demonstrated their capability to be a force in April’s post-season playoffs.

Jermel Kennedy was the standout in a blistering start. Ten points from the Worcester forward in less than six minutes contributed to a 20-7 advantage.

Alex Navajas joined the fray to slot in a trio of baskets either side of the break between the first and second quarters, widening the lead to 31-14.

Trevor Setty debuted on the scoreboard with a spin move to the hoop and followed up with a breakaway dunk. Danny Huffor floated home his third three-pointer of a first half which ended with a comfortable 47-37 cushion for the visitors.

Kennedy was similarly on target from afar and also directed a clever bounce pass for Huffor to convert, maintaining a healthy gap at 61-47 with four minutes to play in the third period.
Wolves’ only wobble then occurred. Scorchers’ playmaker Quincy Taylor blocked a Navajas effort and raced up court for two points and a bonus. Two more scores for the Surrey man and a series of wayward Worcester shots drew the sides closer at 63-59.

But the ship was steadied in the final quarter. Trey Zeigler twice created simple opportunities for Maurice Walker to gobble up. Surrey were forced into committing consecutive turnovers and Worcester’s advantage was soon back into double figures, allowing them to ease to victory.
Huffor led the night’s scoring with 28 points, with Kennedy and Walker tallying 16 points apiece.

Coach Paul James declared his pleasure at how his side is coming together, saying: “I’m delighted with how the players are supporting each other. We applied ourselves brilliantly today. We took charge early and pretty much controlled everything after that. We’re defending as a unit and we have options to score on the inside or from the outside.”

It will be nearly a fortnight before Wolves are next in action, on Friday 10 March (7.30), when Leeds Force visit the University of Worcester Arena.

“The break will allow one or two players to deal with niggling injuries,” added James.
“Earlier in the season I might have worried more about the break disrupting our rhythm, but now that we are maturing as a team I can put that concern to one side and look for us to continue our rich vein of form for a climb up the table and preparation for the post-season.”

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