Leicester Riders 71-83 Worcester Wolves (137-146 on agg)

Friday 03 January 2020

Worcester Wolves have started the new decade in magnificent style by overcoming perennial powerhouse Leicester Riders to win through to the BBL Cup Final at Arena Birmingham on 26 January.

Leicester went into Friday’s semi-final second leg decider holding a 66-63 advantage gained from December’s reverse fixture in Worcester.

When Wolves then gazed up at their host’s 24-12 lead with a couple of minutes remaining in the opening quarter it looked as the team that would progress to meet Bristol Flyers in Birmingham later this month may already be set.

But Worcester drew a line in the sand, putting a lid over their basket to limit Riders to just a single point in the next five minutes while hurling in eighteen points of their own and proceeding to dominate the rest of the evening for an eventual 83-71 triumph.

Coach Matt Newby praised his players’ resilience, saying: “We took time to settle but the tough situations we have already faced this season have made us stronger, more connected and more disciplined. That came through for us today.”

“Leicester have been a trailblazing programme in the BBL,” continued Newby. “They’ve set the benchmark for the league. If you can get near matching those standards then you’re doing the right thing and that’s what we’ve done today.”

Jordan Williams was Wolves’ sole offensive threat as the game began. When he went to the bench with ten points his replacement Amir Williams took over the scoring mantle, reducing Riders’ lead to 24-20 as the first quarter ended.

Cortez Edwards sank a three to bring the sides closer. Namon Wright got in the way of Raheem May-Thompson to be called for an unsportsmanlike foul, allowing the latter to slot in a double of free throws to move Worcester in front.

An upsurge in intensity shone through. Edwards jumped highest to rebound his own miss and kick the ball out for Mark Hughes to connect from outside the arc.

Jordan Williams proved unstoppable, continually overpowering defenders and standing straight to take charges, denying Leicester the chance to respond.

A 46-41 half-time advantage widened to 53-42 by midway through the third period once consecutive Kofi Josephs’ triples had swished through the net.

Wolves’ captain Maarten Bouwknecht joined the three-point shooting party and when he drove to the hoop in the second minute of the final quarter his side’s lead maximised at 67-48.

A demoralised Leicester hampered their own comeback by failing to find a way through their visitors’ defensive wall. Even consolation prizes of foul shots were not taken as they repeatedly converted only one of each pair they were awarded.

More sharpshooting from guards Edwards and Hughes and more blocked shots from Wolves’ big men further smoothed the path through to Birmingham.

A balanced scoring night saw Jordan Williams tab 18 points, closely followed by Edwards on 17. Hughes tallied 15 points with Amir Williams posting a dozen.

“We’re at our best when we have multiple contributors,” said Newby. “When players remain selfless and willing to make up for others’ mistakes then we will finish on top.”

A large turnout of travelling Worcester fans joined the post-match celebrations, leading Newby to applaud their support, saying: “Our fans have been great and ought to have something to celebrate. They’ve stuck by the club through hard times and deserve to see us competing for silverware.”

Wolves stay in the hunt for more silverware this Sunday 5 January (5.30) when they visit Cheshire Phoenix in the opening round of the BBL Trophy.

The following Friday, 10 January, (7.30) Cheshire will make the opposite trip to the University of Worcester Arena for a BBL Championship encounter.

“Cheshire have some good pickups in their roster,” added Newby. “Our players now need to take care of their bodies, re-boot and re-focus.”

Assistant coach Felix Hallam echoed Newby, saying: “We’ll enjoy this win but the focus has to quickly change to Sunday. It’s going to be another win-or-go-home game and we want to win every time we go out on the court.”

Tickets and coach travel can be purchased now for the BBL Cup final and the coach travel can be booked at a later date or separately.

To book tickets and travel click here