Nottingham Hoods II 62 – 89 Worcester Wolves

Sunday 6th March 2022

By Edmundas Martynaitis

Sunday’s road game against Nottingham Hoods started off with gritty defence and fast-paced possessions, as both teams traded points to open the game. From then on Wolves started to show their dominance and recorded a 12-0 run, led by consecutive interceptions and fast break points by Lucas McGregor. Hoods coach was forced to take time out, as Worcester was leading 14-2 with 4.54 left in the first quarter.

The home team came up with a nice setup for a triple out of a time out, but Austin Payne answered with a long range shot just in the following attack, McGregor added 7 consecutive points and lead was up to 19 points. Nottingham’s team manages to knock down a couple triples at the end of the quarter and tighten the gap, but Drew Clark managed to get a shot of in time for a buzzer beater to end the quarter and increase the lead 32-14.

After an intense opening, the game slowed down in second quarter. Hoods came back from the break more focused, as they managed to outscore Wolves 8-2 in 5-minute span and, after couple sloppy turnovers by the Wolves, coach Dean Blake called a time out. Hoods were back in the game, as digits on scoreboard spelled 35-22.

Coaches’ words seemed to have fired up the team, as Matei Balteanu concerted a 2+1 opportunity, Lucas McGregor drawn a couple fouls driving to the basket and playing aggressive, later converting them to points at the free throw line. Payne closed the quarter with a deep 3 pointer to increase the lead send both teams to half-time with the score 48-27.

Lucas McGregor opened second half with a couple three pointers, Hoods managed to convert a couple layups, to which Payne answered by tipping in the lob from Lucas, who on the next play scored and impressive put back. Hosts then answer with a couple mid-range shots, but Wolves ended third quarter a 6-0 in the last 2 minutes and lead was up to 27 points.

The hosts were not giving up yet and tried to arrange their last struggle of the game, as Nottingham’s team managed to hit consecutive 3-point shots and convert a defensive interception to points. However, David Lauzzana initiated last Wolves run by draining a three pointer with 3 minutes left in the fourth. Matei Balteanu stole the ball to setup Austin Payne for a layup. After a successful defensive stand Wolves decided to dribble out the clock. Final score 89-62, Wolves securing a convincing victory on the road.

The Wolves return to the court this Saturday with a road game against Stoke-On -Trent Knights.