Worcester Wolves 59-56 London Thunder

Sunday 10 April 2022

By Colin Taylor

“Bring it on,” was the cry of ecstatic Worcester Wolves’ coach Dean Blake after seeing his charges book a place in the National Basketball League Division Three Playoff Final.

Wolves had to fight back from a nine-point second-half deficit to eventually overcome London Thunder in a 59-56 nail-biter at the University of Worcester Arena on Sunday and set themselves up for a season-deciding battle with Teeside Lions in Manchester on 23 April.

“It’s everything the players deserve, they’ve worked hard all this week and worked hard all season,” praised Blake. “Everyone’s contributed and everyone’s given their all for forty minutes to get it done.”

“We’re expecting the final to be a really tough game between the two best teams in the division, but we’re going there full of confidence. Bring it on – April 23^rd – bring it on.”

Matei Balteanu rebounded a Wilfrid Santhe miss to commence the Worcester scoring. Santhe and Lucas McGregor both sank three-pointers to aid a 16-13 first quarter edge.

Ian Vivero-Rodriguez handed off for Austin Payne to convert, as well as netting five points of his own, but it would be London who headed to the half-time locker rooms with a 30-28 advantage.

The second half began in unsettling fashion for Wolves as they struggled to make an impression on the Thunder basket. A paltry three foul shots were all the hosts had to show in the initial six minutes as they watched London stride 39-31 ahead.

However, it now became Worcester’s time to shine. A McGregor stop-go dribble finally fired the offense. Vivero-Rodriguez joined the fun, Payne made the most of being fouled in the act of scoring and McGregor floated in a rainbow triple to finalise a stunning fourteen-point burst.

44-41 to the good entering the final quarter was an insufficient cushion for Wolves to enjoy. With a minute-and-a-half remaining matters stood at 55-50 before a Thunder corner three closed the gap.

With just 22 seconds to go Payne scored as he was impeded but failed to make the bonus free throw, leaving matters poised at 59-56. As the game clock wound down London again looked to connect from the corner of the court.

With fans now on their feet and holding their breath, the ball clanged upwards off the hoop and bounced away, igniting wild celebrations on the playing floor and in the stands.

McGregor led the way with 19 points, supported by 11 from Santhe and nine for Vivero-Rodriguez.

“We’re not always going to be ahead. Sometimes we’ve got to find a different way to win,” added Blake.

“Basketball can be a game of runs – I kept saying to the guys, just keep going – keep going, regardless of anything.”

Teeside Lions, Worcester’s opponent in the Playoff Final at Manchester’s National Basketball Performance Centre, upset the odds by overcoming previously-undefeated St Helens Saints 80-78 in their semi-final.

“I’m so glad that we got the win to reward our fans for all their amazing support this season and to give them the chance to come with us up to Manchester,” concluded Blake.