Worcester Wolves 64-75 Teesside Lions

Saturday 19th October 2024

By Colin Taylor

Worcester Wolves were unable to capitalise on a promising start against Teesside Lions at the University of Worcester Arena on Saturday, slipping to a 64-75 defeat.

By six minutes before half-time Wolves had accumulated a healthy 33-19 advantage before uncertainty set in, allowing their visitors to climb back into the contest, levelling matters after the interval and eventually gaining the upper hand.

Emmanuel Yeboah was the feature of the early going, dancing past defenders to rattle in 13 first-quarter points as well as gleefully setting up opportunities for his teammates.

A Teesside time out once Worcester’s lead had maximised served to bring calm to the proceedings.

Wayward shooting and a series of turnovers were pounced upon by the Lions as they steadily built their total, dragging their hosts’ lead down to a mere 39-38 by half-time.

Yeboah handed off an easy basket to James Davis and the latter twice rebounded his own misses to keep Wolves in front.

Teesside’s dangerous forward Brendan Patrick made a triple of scores in a two-minute spell that moved his side 50-47 ahead.

Worcester entered the final period trailing 54-50 and with Yeboah’s sparkle cautioned by now picking up four of the permitted five fouls that could have forced an early end to his evening.

Davis pecked away near to the hoop but with scant scoring support coming from elsewhere Lions were able to ease to the win.

Yeboah and Davis led the scoring with 20 and 14 points respectively, with both players also pulling down double-figure rebounds.

Coach Dean Blake explained the defeat, saying: “After a decent start we maybe got a little complacent. We lacked a bit of discipline and didn’t show the resilience we’re known for.”

Wolves put up two dozen three-point shots, only succeeding on a couple of those attempts.

“We talked in the locker room about needing to put pressure on the basket and not just settling for three-pointers,” said Blake. “When we did put pressure on the basket it made a massive difference.”

Wolves take a break from league action until Saturday 02 November (7.30pm) when Cardiff Archers visit the University of Worcester Arena. Ahead of that lies a trip to Oxford Hoops next Sunday 27 October (2.30pm), for a National Cup tie.

“We’ll hope to get some more guys healthy and back into the mix next week and then see what we can do with the chance to progress in another competition,” added Blake.

Tickets are now on sale for the Basketball Spooktacular, Worcester Wolves vs Cardiff Met Archers on Saturday November 2nd, get your tickets here or from the Arena box office.

Tickets are also on sale for this Friday nights game where the Worcester Wolves women take on Loughborough Riders on WNBL D1. Tip off 7.30pm, tickets are available here or from the Arena box office.