Manchester Magic 63-70 Worcester Wolves

Saturday 31st October 2026

By Colin Taylor

Worcester Wolves conjured an intense performance on Halloween night that spooked Manchester Magic and secured the club’s third win in this year’s National Basketball League.

High-flying Manchester had lost just once coming into the contest while Wolves had yet to produce the consistency that saw them crowned Division One winners last season.

But on Saturday Worcester were quickest out of the blocks and continued to outfight their hosts throughout the evening to grab a 70-63 success.

“Obviously Manchester are a good team, with a good programme, but I was confident we could beat them if we came here with the right mentality from the beginning and maintained it,” rationalised Wolves coach Dean Blake.

“At the start of the season we were a bit shaky with first-year players who are still transitioning to the level we need to play at. It’s about getting everyone onboard and acclimatised – we’re getting there.

“We came good today and I’m really happy to come away with the victory.”

Daijaun Antonio twice bustled his way to offensive rebounds to tip the ball home and Christian Rufus-Shaba similarly toiled close to the hoop, typifying Worcester’s early vigour.

Consecutive Harry Godwin assists set up Rufus-Shaba for a handy half-dozen points in an opening quarter where Manchester edged 25-22 ahead.

Wolves quickly reversed the lead as the second period began with Fin Rennie and Rex Agbaso both forcing turnovers.

Agbaso blocked another Magic attack and further aggressive defence prevented the home side from passing the ball on within the permitted five-second time-limit.

Surging confidence saw Rennie spin around near mid-court and drill a long-range success. Another three-pointer soon followed, propelling the visitors into a 44-34 half-time lead.

Worcester’s control only tightened after the interval with Godwin draining threes at one end and Agbaso demoralising attackers by continually swatting away shot attempts at the other.

A 60-48 advantage entering the final quarter proved enough to see out the win, with Rufus-Shaba partnering Agbaso to maintain a wall around the basket.

Five Wolves players achieved double-figure scoring. Rennie tabbed 13 points. Godwin, Rufus-Shaba and Marcus Robinson notched a dozen points apiece and Antonio ten.

Rufus-Shaba also pulled down thirteen rebounds to achieve double-double status while fellow big-man Agbaso tallied four blocks to sit alongside six personal points.

Wolves return to the University of Worcester Arena next Saturday 07 November (7.30pm) to host Liverpool.

“I’m really pleased that we got contributions from across the squad today,” added Blake.

“Next week against Liverpool everyone has to be ready to go again with the same level of intensity and be able to keep it going for the full forty minutes.”

Tickets for this Saturdays double header are available online and from the Arena box office.