Derbyshire Arrows 92-84 Worcester Wolves

Sunday 18th December 2022

Losing the rebound battle at Derbyshire Arrows on Sunday meant Worcester Wolves will go into the festive break ruing a 92-84 defeat.

Given Derbyshire’s 51-31 superiority on the boards, Wolves did well to hold a 76-75 edge entering the last five minutes of the afternoon. But with the hosts pulling down over twice as many offensive rebounds than their opponents, the accumulation of second-chance points eventually became too much to bear.

Though without their captain Matei Balteanu, Worcester were boosted by the return of fellow big man Liam Langridge-Barker from a lengthy injury-absence, and it was the returnee who set the visitors side of the scoreboard ticking.

A back-and-forth first quarter ended 23-20 in Wolves’ favour, while a similarly competitive next period led to a 42-42 half-time tie.

The opening six minutes of the second half featured four Worcester three-pointers, keeping their noses 58-55 in front.

It was Humberto Ferreira who gave Wolves their late fourth quarter advantage before a double of baskets from Arrows’ livewire forward Hamza Ibrahim pushed him to a game-high 32 points and his side into an 86-79 lead to effectively seal the win.

Ferreira top-scored for Worcester with 20 points, followed by 15 apiece for Evan Longman and Ian Vivero-Rodriguez.

Third-placed Wolves now take an extended break until Sunday 8 January when they will take on the challenge of a trip to the team a place above them in the table, St Helens Saints. St Helens’ roster boasts several players who have logged minutes with BBL side Cheshire Phoenix, including former Worcester man Disraeli Lufadeju.