Worcester Wolves 60-59 Myerscough Basketball Academy

Friday 7th March 2025

By Colin Taylor

Worcester Wolves entertained their biggest crowd of the season when nudging past Myerscough Basketball Academy 60-59 on Friday.

Over a thousand spectators packed into the University of Worcester Arena and were left on the edge of their seats before Wolves finally emerged victorious from a see-saw contest.

It was an electric start for the hosts with shots dropping from every direction. Jacob Dearman and Kamarni Steadman both sank three-pointers while Fin Rennie logged a couple to his account.

Jeremy Lievin established his big man credentials with a turn-and-hook score and then made the most of a Wilfrid Santhe assist to aid a 16-7 first quarter advantage.

Lievin continued to profit close to the basket but had to watch Myerscough whittle away at the lead with their veteran Mark Rangeley confidently directing traffic, closing matters to 30-28 entering half-time.

Worcester’s offense stagnated after the interval with nearly six minutes elapsing before a Dearman lay up was able to progress the scoreboard.

The final quarter opened with Myerscough 42-41 to the good.

Multiple players scrambled for rebounds before Daijuan Antonio eventually nailed a scrappy basket to draw the teams level at 45-45.

A series of lead changes ensued until a minute and a half remaining when consecutive Rangeley scores pushed the visitors 59-56 in front.

Coach Dean Blake called timeout to set up a response and was rewarded by seeing Antonio cleverly hand the ball off for Lievin to convert.

Santhe missed free throws that could have retaken the lead but then made amends with a confident weave to the hoop to edge Wolves 60-59 ahead.

It was now Myerscough’s turn for a timeout to plan strategy with just eight seconds left on the game clock. A long-range hurl went astray, igniting celebrations for home players and fans.

“It wasn’t the best of games, but a couple of things went our way at the end,” admitted Blake.

“Maybe Myerscough were still on the bus at the start of the game but they came back at us. We’re lucky to have stolen a win.”

Lievin powered to a 12 points/15 rebounds double-double performance, supported by eleven points apiece from Rennie and Steadman.

This Sunday afternoon, 09 March (5pm) sees Wolves take to the court at the University of Worcester Arena for the final time this season, facing Cardiff City.

“We’ve had a huge crowd here today,” added Blake. “I hope we’ve given fans enough of a game to watch that they’ll be back to see us again on Sunday. We want to end the year on a high.”