Worcester Wolves 91-58 Nottingham Hoods

Reporter – Colin Taylor

Worcester Wolves emerged victorious from a game of two halves against the Nottingham Hoods at the University of Worcester Arena on Saturday.

Wolves were held by their visitors to just a 39-38 half-time edge, but swept past them in the second half for a 91-58 success.

Coach Dean Blake put the transformation down to his team’s preparation. “We’re very fortunate that we practice every day and eventually that proved the difference,” said Blake.

“Nottingham have a good bunch of players but maybe don’t have the opportunity to get together as much as we do. I’m pleased that our experience told in the end.”

A back-and-forth start to the evening saw Hoods nudge 17-16 ahead entering a second period where Worcester’s Romanian forward Matei Balteanu made his mark.

Balteanu produced a series of inside spins that left his defenders flatfooted as well as setting a useful screen and pass off for Sergi Estany to debut on the scoresheet.

Austin Payne came up with a steal that set up an opening basket for David Lauzzana and helped Wolves regain an interval advantage.

Parity between the teams ended when play resumed.

Tom Grayling joined with Balteanu to form a defensive wall that Hoods were unable to break through, staying scoreless for more than five minutes. Both men made hay at the other end of the court and the hosts began to pull away.

Wilfrid Santhe provided a full-court assist for Lauzzana to convert and a baseline drive from Kieran Lee put Worcester 57-45 to the good as the third quarter closed.

The fun continued as a slick bounce pass from Lee was laid in by Payne and John Lenton-Jinks slotted in a double of three-pointers.

Santhe was unstoppable in the last minutes of the match with a coast-to-coast score and a stunning four successes from outside the arc as Wolves stamped their authority on the contest.

Balteanu led the home scoring with 21 points, closely followed by 19 points from Santhe and 17 for Grayling on his introduction to National Basketball League action in Worcester.

“I’m really glad for Tom,” said Blake. “A lot of his points came from put-backs and running the floor. That’s the kind of thing he does – hard work.”

Next Sunday 07 November (5pm) sees Wolves follow the line of the River Severn for a few miles north to meet Stourport Spartans at the town’s LQ Arena.

“Stourport are a tough group of guys,” added Blake. “They contain some former and current University of Worcester students and will come to compete against us. We’ll need to bring our best game to make sure of a win.”