Worcester Wolves 98-34 Warwickshire Warriors

Saturday 02 October 2021

Worcester Wolves put their opponents Warwickshire Warriors to the sword at the University of Worcester Arena on Saturday.

Wolves swept to a double-digit first quarter lead and never allowed their visitors a way into the match as they accumulated a tidy 98-34 win.

Matei Balteanu produced a baseline drive to become the first man on a scoresheet that was already dotted with half-a-dozen of his teammates by the time Worcester entered the second period sitting on a 20-6 cushion.

John Lenton-Jinks and Shaun Parren-Rackley joined Balteanu in making hay close to the hoop while space also became available on the outside.

Wilfred Santhe came up with a coast-to-coast success, Lucas McGregor profited from an interception and Austin Payne notched a basket on his debut.

A 43-13 half-time margin soon accelerated when McGregor stole the inbound ball and dribbled behind his back before passing off to Balteanu.

Payne rattled in a trio of three-pointers, Drew Clark and Santhe similarly connected from beyond the arc and Wolves’ coach Dean Blake took the opportunity to spread minutes across his squad as the hosts eased to victory.

“It was a comprehensive win,” confirmed Blake. “It was good to give everyone a run out today and we got a great response and some great efforts.”

Payne led all scorers with 17 points, supported by 13 points from Parren-Rackley, a dozen apiece for Balteanu and Lenton-Jinks, with McGregor and Santhe both supplying eleven.

Next Saturday 09 October sees Wolves make their first road trip of the season when they meet Coventry Flames at the Coventry University Sports Centre.