Worcester Wolves 89-55 Doncaster Eagles

Saturday 15 October 2022

By Colin Taylor

Worcester Wolves made it two wins from two in their new campaign in National Basketball League Division Two after comfortably seeing off Doncaster Eagles at the University of Worcester Arena on Saturday.

Wolves had already built up a 44-31 lead by half-time, allowing coach Dean Blake to spread minutes across his squad as they eased to an 89-55 victory.

Newly-recruited former Plymouth Raider Isiah Walker commenced the Worcester scoring, followed by a three-pointer from returning forward Lucas McGregor.

A double of baskets from another stalwart returnee, Ian Vivero-Rodriguez, preceded two more McGregor triples, establishing Worcester dominance at 17-3 by six minutes into the evening.

Veteran centre Rob Marsden showed the savvy that earnt him many years in the top flight of British basketball with Sheffield Sharks to close the deficit to 21-14 entering the second quarter but this would be as close as the visitors would get to their hosts.

Sparky guard Aryan Davoodi joined the action with a swift eight points and captain Matei Balteanu debuted on the scoresheet just before half-time.

An array of McGregor assists set up more successes for Balteanu and Walker in an overpowering third quarter.

Now coasting 67-41 ahead, more fresh faces jumped up from the Wolves’ bench. Jacob Solvason hit a trio of shots and Jacob Dearman cleverly handed off to Davoodi before taking a basket for himself.

McGregor led the way with 13 points, closely followed by a dozen points for Walker, Davoodi and Vivero-Rodriguez.

“We got the job done with a good team performance,” declared Blake. ”I’m pleased that we got plenty of our guys on the floor and that they played hard for each other.”   

Wolves will turn out again at the University of Worcester Arena next Saturday 22 October (7pm) when they match up against Leicester Warriors.

“Leicester were in Division One last season and I’m sure they’d like to go back there. They’ve got some seasoned players so next week should be a real test of where we stand in this league,” concluded Blake.