Worcester Wolves 98-79 Manchester Giants

Worcester Wolves showed that they still have plenty to offer for the closing weeks of their British Basketball League season by thumping Manchester Giants 98-79 at the University of Worcester Arena on Friday.  

A rampaging second quarter propelled Wolves to a 53-32 half-time lead that brought a standing ovation from delighted home fans. Although the advantage was later briefly hauled back to single figures, an effervescent display gave little opportunity for the visitors to triumph. 

Coach Tony Garbelotto praised his team’s performance, saying: “We played with the sort of effort I’ve asked for since I came here. They came back at us but we handled it well and made some big plays.” 

Worcester conceded the first eight points of the evening before they found their groove. A trio of three-pointers helped the hosts edge 19-17 ahead entering the second period. 

A double of scores for Alex Navajas pushed the lead to 28-23. Deshawn Freeman sank a three and then stole the ball ahead of a crowd-pleasing two-handed reverse dunk. 

Three minutes before the interval the advantage had stretched to 43-29 after Robert Crawford set up consecutive Navajas baskets. 

In the final minute of the half Navajas again connected from distance and Freeman out-enthused his defenders in battling to multiple offensive rebounds to finalise Wolves’ stunning spell of play. 

A calmer third quarter gave Giants hope as the scoreboard closed to 68-55. A layup from former Worcester captain Callum Jones had matters at 71-62 with six minutes to go. 

But any comeback was curtailed once current captain Adam Thoseby set his feet for a confident outside shot and Freeman produced another dazzling score, threading the ball behind his back to Miki Servera who returned it skywards for a powerful jab through the hoop. 

The irrepressible Navajas slotted home his fifth and sixth triples to ice Wolves’ dominance. 

Freeman totalled 23 points, just behind Navajas’ 26-point outburst, as well as pulling down a mighty 19 rebounds. Crawford notched 17 points while Servera impressed with an 11 point/12 assist double-double showing. 

“As well as Alex I have to credit Deshawn specifically,” added Garbelotto. “I thought his effort was off the charts. His pure effort, his desire, ignited us.” 

Fans will have a quick opportunity to see what could be more breath-taking action when Wolves return to the University of Worcester Arena next Friday, 29 March, (7.30) to face play-off bound Newcastle Eagles. 

“Our fans, everyone, had a great experience today,” continued Garbelotto. “If we play as hard as we have just done we can beat almost any team.”