Worcester Wolves 87-65 Newcastle Eagles

Worcester Wolves delighted a packed University of Worcester Arena on Friday by trouncing Newcastle Eagles, the British Basketball League’s second-placed side.

After racing into a 29-14 first-quarter lead, Wolves never looked back in rampaging to a ruthless 87-65 victory.

The hosts quickly stated their intent when Dallin Bachynski connected from the opening tip-off. By the third minute Wolves led 9-2 and had rattled their former player Jamal Williams into a carless turnover and a seat on the bench.

His replacement, England International Darius Defoe, was soon back off-court when called for a double of fouls as he struggled to stay with the blistering pace around him.

A series of confident George Beamon drives were accompanied by accurate outside shooting from Trayvon Palmer and back-to-the-basket moves from Bachynski.

New point guard George Marshall secured his first home points wearing a Wolves vest as his side rolled to a comfortable 48-33 interval advantage.

Beamon was the man who effectively killed off any chance of an Eagles comeback when drawing Defoe’s game-ending fifth foul in a crowd-pleasing four-point play early in the second half.

Alex Navajas also wowed a packed arena when cheekily passing the ball behind his back for Beamon to convert and an overwhelming 63-35 lead.

Stifling defence blocked Newcastle’s inside chances and when they turned to the outside option they were hurried into hurling up embarrassing air-balls.

Coach Paul James praised his players’ efficiency, saying: “We were disciplined tonight. We got off to an excellent start and never relented.”

Beamon topped the scoring charts with 28 points and was supported by three double-double performers. Bachynski tallied 22 points and 11 rebounds, Palmer posted 21 and 14 and Navajas also impressed with an 11-11 return.

“We talked with each player individually this week about what is expected of them,” added James. “Everyone responded in great style.”

Wolves travel to London Lions this Sunday (4pm) where James is hoping for a quick follow-up win, saying: “We’ve just beaten a tough Newcastle team, but the weekend is only half-done. London have won six or seven in a row so they’re on a roll but if we carry over what we’ve done today then we can get another win.”

Match report by Colin Taylor
Image Credit Razorlight Imagery