Plymouth Raiders 74-91 Worcester Wolves

Worcester Wolves completed a fine double-winning weekend by upsetting Plymouth Raiders 91-74 at their own court on Sunday.

Friday’s win over Surrey Scorchers was Wolves’ first victory in the British Basketball League since opening day in September, also against Plymouth.

Worcester recovered from a 14-21 first-quarter deficit with a rampaging 27-9 run to turn the tables by half-time and held onto their new-found belief to see out the success.

Seven points from Deshawn Freeman contributed to a 14-14 tie with a couple of minutes left in the opening quarter. But an equal number of Raiders’ points to end the period gave Wolves work to do.

Jordan Whelan was the catalyst for a fightback. A score and a bonus foul shot was followed by a three-pointer. A length-of-the-court assist for Freeman to convert restored parity at 23-23.

Whelan’s hot streak continued with another triple before he tipped the ball out of Plymouth hands and raced down-court for a layup.

The half concluded with Freeman rising above the rim to jam home a Darell Combs miss, icing a 41-30 advantage.

Raiders had no answer for Worcester’s swarming defence. Hands in faces and arms extended gave no opportunity for easy baskets.

Entering the final period 57-49 ahead, Wolves’ swagger remained. Big man Lester Prosper patrolled inside with Freeman while Alex Navajas sank consecutive threes to slap down any Plymouth resistance.

After fellow Spaniard Miki Servera also connected from distance in the final minute for a crushing 86-72 lead he engaged in a mid-court celebratory jig with his beaming team-mates.

Freeman pulsated with a 25 point/11 rebound double-double performance. Prosper put forward 14 points while Navajas and Whelan chipped in a dozen apiece.

Wolves will have nearly a fortnight’s break before they look to perpetuate their welcome turn in fortunes when title-challenging Leicester Riders visit the University of Worcester Arena on Friday 1 March (7.30). Tickets are available here.