Birmingham City University 76-73 Worcester Wolves

Saturday 18th October 2025

By Colin Taylor

Worcester Wolves came close to becoming the first team to punch a dent in the unbeaten record of Birmingham City University in National Basketball League Division One action on Saturday.

In a back-and-forth battle, Wolves pulled back a double-digit half-time deficit to lead entering the final couple of minutes before Birmingham hunkered down to edge a 76-73 thriller.

Just a fortnight ago Worcester were humbled 75-57 by their West Midlands rivals but this time showed lessons had been quickly learnt in how to adjust their play to very nearly pull off an upset win.

“We gave it a really good shot,” reflected head coach Dean Blake. “A couple of plays didn’t go our way towards the end and some shots bobbled out.

“The first game against Birmingham was a lot about our guys acclimatising to playing at this level and they’ve had to grow together in a very short space of time.

“It’s a shame we didn’t quite get it done today, but the players gave a good account of themselves against very good opposition.”

Wolves took their time to get going as the match began, having no answer to an eight-point outburst from former BBL veteran Sam Toluwase amongst ten points without reply in the first three minutes.

Fin Rennie finally moved the visitors’ side of the scoreboard as well as setting up an early bucket for Earl Burgess.

Burgess now solidified his play beneath both baskets and delighted in a tip-in that drew the sides level at 16-16 as the first quarter concluded.

Humberto Ferreira nudged Worcester 18-16 ahead and Rennie sank his second three-pointer to keep matters close at 29-26 in Birmingham’s favour by three minutes before half-time.

However, an imperious Toluwase once more stepped to the fore to rattle in a further ten personal points and leave his side prancing to the locker-rooms holding a 39-28 advantage.

But Wilfrid Santhe showed that his Birmingham opponent was not the only player capable of heating up in a hurry as he floated home a trio of shots from outside the perimeter in a two-minute spell.

Birmingham now found their path to the hoop repeatedly blocked as Ferreira linked arms with Burgess on basket patrol, frustrating previously-successful attacks and pushing Wolves 56-52 in front entering the last period.

Daijaun Antonio profited from a length-of-the-court Ferreira pass and Burgess bustled his way to maximising Worcester’s lead at 65-54 with seven minutes remaining.

With his side in danger of losing their spot at the top of the table it was, inevitably, Toluwase who stepped forward with another swift burst of scoring to once more propel Birmingham ahead.

In the final seconds of the contest Wolves twice managed to force turnovers and regain possession but twice were unable to hit the target and take the spoils.

Burgess recorded a 16 point/16 rebound double-double performance. Santhe also tabbed 16 points, supported by 14 for Rennie and 12 from Ferreira.

Toluwase dominated the numbers with a highly-impressive 33 points, as well as pulling down 17 rebounds.

Wolves return home this Friday 24 October (7.30pm) when Myerscough Basketball Academy visit the University of Worcester Arena.

“Myerscough are another very good team but, although we didn’t quite get over the line today against Birmingham, we’ll have more confidence in what we can do,” added Blake.

“Friday will be a really big game so I’m hoping our Wolfpack will come out in numbers and push us on to the win.”

Get your tickets for this Fridays game here or from the Arena Box Office, doors open 6.30pm, tip off 7.30pm.