Worcester Wolves 74-81 Bristol Flyers

Worcester Wolves’ new Director of Basketball Ty Shaw declared his satisfaction with his players’ efforts after taking charge of a competitive pre-season encounter with Bristol Flyers at the University of Worcester Arena on Monday.

Despite losing out 74-81 to the visitors Shaw placed more importance on the performance rather than the result, saying: “While you always want to win every game I have no problem with tonight’s score.

“This was the first time our guys have played five-on-five together. It was a great opportunity for us to go up and down the court as a group and look at things we can work on to get better. I have no doubts about our players’ effort, intensity or desire.”

It was Jordan Whelan who started the scoreboard ticking after converting an assist from fellow guard Miki Servera. A three-pointer from power-forward Filip Kramer edged Wolves 10-9 ahead in the early going.

By the close of the first quarter England International Adam Thoseby had opened his account with a double of long-range scores, aiding a 24-20 advantage.

The sides continued to exchange baskets, leading to a 40-38 Bristol half-time edge.

Shaw spread minutes across his squad with Matt Williamson slotting home from the left-corner to keep Worcester in contention, trailing at just 51-53 by midway through the third period.

Thereafter Flyers began to ease away to their fourth successive pre-season win. The final quarter opened with a Servera triple but it would take until the last two minutes of the match before any further Worcester scores from the field, leaving Bristol to claim an 81-74 success.

Thoseby led the scoring with 18 points, followed by Servera with 16. Kramer and Whelan totalled 14 and 12 points respectively while American forward Robert Crawford served up a double-double of 10 points and 12 rebounds.

Wolves begin their British Basketball League campaign this Friday at the University of Worcester Arena, (tip off 7.30), against Plymouth Raiders. You can purchase tickets for the game by clicking here.

“We’re all very excited and upbeat about opening the season,” declared Shaw. “We’ll get into the film and work on some things. I’m proud of the guys’ efforts today.”