Tuesday 23 December 2014 Leicester Riders 82-86 Worcester Wolves

Worcester Wolves delivered an early Christmas present for their supporters in the shape of an 86-82 victory over much-fancied Leicester Riders on Tuesday.

After losing successive matches to other title-contenders, Cheshire and London, many might have reasonably expected Wolves to struggle at the home of a side which had previously lost only a couple of matches in the British Basketball League’s current campaign. To add to the uncertainty, though suited, influential centre Robert Thurman continued to remain on the sidelines nursing an ankle injury.

Forwards Jamal Williams and Remi Dibo diverted from their usual roles to compensate for Thurman’s absence around the basket, while new signing Paul Guede made an immediate impact on his debut.

Worcester stayed marginally ahead of their hosts all the way until the final three minutes of the contest, when falling behind 76-80. However seven points from club captain Alex Owumi halted the slide and saw out the success.

A William’s three-pointer began the evening. Guede did likewise to bring up an early 10-4 lead, and gave further notice of his abilities when confidently swatting away a shot attempt from Riders’ Anthony Rowe. Wolves closed the opening quarter at 30-22 after a double of outside scores from Dibo, and one more from Williams.

Leicester notched the next eight points to draw level, before Owumi was also on target from distance, helping his team to a 52-43 interval advantage.

Tit-for-tat scoring after half-time meant that Wolves entered the final quarter still in front at 67-62. Chavis Holmes confidently distributed passes around the court, but was content to give up some of his playmaking duties to an enthusiastic Guede.

Matters looked even more comfortable at 74-66, until Riders’ big man Rashad Hassan bustled his way to a trio of close-range baskets and their diminutive guard pairing of Connor Washington and Neil Watson found success from range.

A 14-2 Leicester blast looked to have put them in charge. However Owumi’s late burst of scoring switched the advantage, and when he stood alone on defence to deny a late Washington charge to the hoop, Leicester’s last hope of a win was snuffed out.

A beaming Wolves’ Coach Paul James gave his thoughts after the match: “To come here to Leicester in front of a full-house and do what we did was fantastic. I like the way we played today, moving the ball around really well. I’m delighted with our work ethic; it was a total team effort.”

Referring to Guede’s debut, James remarked: “We’ve worked hard to integrate Paul into the team. He’s fitted in straightaway, making such a difference on offence and defence. He’ll be a quality player for us for the rest of the season.”

Guede’s stat-line read eleven points, five rebounds and five assists. Holmes and Owumi led the Worcester scoring with 20 and 17 points respectively. Dibo was next-highest scorer with 15 points, while Williams notched a double-double of 12 points and 12 rebounds.

The next outing for the Wolves will take place this Sunday afternoon (tip-off 3pm), 28 December, at the University of Worcester Arena versus Leeds Force. James added: “I’m confident we’ll come out and put on a great display. I’d like to wish all Worcester Wolves fans a very happy Christmas, and hope to see them all on the 28^th.”