Worcester Wolves 69-60 Charnwood Riders

Friday 2nd December 2022

By Colin Taylor

Worcester Wolves did just enough to see off Charnwood Riders 69-60 in National Basketball League Division Two on Friday, in front of one of the largest crowds seen at the University of Worcester Arena in several seasons.

Third-placed Wolves might have been expected to make easier work of an opponent holding a record of only one win from eight outings, but instead found it difficult to produce prolonged spells of control.

Charnwood came out of the blocks the quickest with their lively guard Dan Hadley rattling in a trio of three-pointers to take the visitors an early 9-4 advantage.

Confident drives from Lucas McGregor drew the teams level but reliable big man Matei Balteanu was forced to a seat on the bench after picking up three quick fouls.

Humberto Ferreira signalled his entry into the action with a couple of inside scores while Ian Vivero-Rodriguez was on target from the right and left corners of the court to push Worcester to a 19-15 first-quarter edge.

Further triples dropped through the net to stretch the hosts lead to 41-31 by half-time.

Wilfrid Santhe joined the long-range shooting party as the second half began but further Wolves attacks would then stagnate.

As the third period wound down it took another Vivero-Rodriguez three to keep Riders 51-44 at bay.

Balteanu jumped highest to tip in a wayward shot and then profited from a Santhe side-to-side dribble drive. Ferreira was twice spied wide-open under the basket to finally give Worcester sufficient leeway to secure victory.

McGregor and Vivero-Rodriguez shared top-scoring honours with 15 points apiece. Ferreira and Santhe notched a dozen and ten points respectively.

“This game is about being disciplined for the full forty minutes and unfortunately we can sometimes lack the discipline to seal the deal,” mused Wolves coach Dean Blake.

“I’m pleased to get the win but we can’t afford to take any team for granted, regardless of their position in the league.”

Wolves will not turn out again at the University of Worcester Arena until 4 February next year. Before then they set out on an extended road trip, beginning with a visit to Lancashire on Sunday 11 December (3pm) to meet Myerscough Academy.