Worcester Wolves 122–66 Leeds Force

Worcester Wolves prepared for next Wednesday’s BBL Cup semi-final at Sheffield Sharks by walloping basement club Leeds Force at the University of Worcester Arena on Friday.
Wolves raced into a double figure lead within the opening minutes of the match, thumped in an overwhelming 47-16 second quarter and had already hit a century of points by the third quarter, before easing to their final 122-66 victory.

Trayvon Palmer was the feature of a lively start to the night, taking a behind-the-back assist from Brandon Parrish for the first of an exciting half-dozen early baskets.

Parrish’s confidence continued when he was able to beat everyone to the rebound of his own missed long-range shot and finalise a 36-20 initial quarter advantage.

Not to be outdone by his fellow Americans, George Beamon then held the spotlight to rattle in six second period scores.

Guards Ashton Khan and Elvisi Dusha took turns to sink three-pointers while Dallin Bachynski and Robert Gilchrist had their way close to the hoop.

A commanding 73-36 interval lead was not enough for a Worcester side overflowing with belief. Multiple Leeds turnovers were converted into easy breakaway dunks.

A turnaround jumper from Gilchrist brought up a 100-50 score-line before the third period had expired. Bench players Dominic Ives, Zach Noble and Demi Ogunbona were given useful court time as Wolves sauntered through the final quarter.

Beamon led Wolves scoring with 25 points, followed by 18 points apiece for Palmer and Dusha. Bachynski posted a double-double of 14 points and 10 rebounds, while Khan also shone statistically with 13 points and 12 assists.

Coach Paul James was content with his team’s fifth successive win, saying: “We carried on the style of basketball that has been working for us. Leeds are not the force they were, but it was important that we did not play down to their level.”

Worcester’s focus is now switching to next week’s vital trip to Sheffield as they carry forward a 102-92 first-leg edge, hoping to progress to meet Cheshire Phoenix at Arena Birmingham in January.

James added: “We’re going up there to win. If we start thinking about hanging on to a lead we could lose the tie altogether. London gave up a 13-point first-leg lead in their semi against Cheshire so there is no way we want to fall into the same position.”