Worcester Wolves 70-55 Manchester Swarm

Sunday 3rd April 2022

By Colin Taylor

Worcester Wolves stand just a game away from the National Basketball League Division Three Playoff Final after overcoming Manchester Swarm at the University of Worcester Arena on Sunday.

A 26-10 first quarter explosion laid the foundations for Wolves to keep Manchester at bay and go on to secure a thrilling 70-55 quarter-final success.

“We came out ready and showed Manchester no mercy in the opening minutes,” said Worcester coach Dean Blake. “After that we did enough to hold off their attacks and kept up the pressure at their basket.

“We’ve now earnt a spot in the semi-finals and proved ourselves as one of the best teams in this league. I’m delighted for everyone at the club, for the players and for all our fans.”

Tom Grayling set the scene for what was to follow by rising high to swat away the Swarm’s opening offense and propel the ball down-court for a Matei Balteanu score.

Lucas McGregor sank three-pointers either side of handing off for Grayling to convert. Ian Vivero-Rodriguez got on the scoresheet ahead of McGregor producing a hokey-cokey dribble to finalise a stunning 14-0 start.

A full five minutes elapsed before a frazzled Manchester finally managed to nudge their side of the scoreboard.

Team spirit abounded as the second period began with multiple hands touching the ball before Wilfrid Santhe signed off the passing with a triple. An underhand scoop and another long-ranger from the point-guard moved matters to 40-15.

A late awakening saw Swarm reduce the gap to 42-24 by half-time.

Vivero-Rodriguez high-stepped to a swift ten post-interval points and once a dispirited Manchester player was dismissed to the locker rooms after a double of technical fouls, Worcester’s invitation to the playoffs final four was written.

Vivero-Rodriguez top-scored with 19 points, followed by 16 from Santhe and 14 for McGregor.

Wolves now brace themselves for a huge battle with London Thunder at the University of Worcester Arena this Sunday 10 April (3pm), seeking a coveted place in the Playoff Final at Manchester’s National Basketball Performance Centre on 23 April.

“We need to maintain the intensity we showed today for our next challenge. We’re going to spend the week getting ourselves in the best possible shape for a real fight with London,” added Blake.

“We want as many fans as possible to come along to the arena and help get us over the line and into the big Playoff Final in Manchester.”