Friday 09 January 2015 Worcester Wolves 99-91 Newcastle Eagles

Worcester Wolves have ensured they stay in the hunt for top spot in the British Basketball League by overcoming table-toppers Newcastle Eagles at a packed University of Worcester Arena. Newcastle came into Friday’s match on the back of a sensational 19-game unbeaten run, having not tasted defeat since the season’s opening night back in September, again at the hands of Worcester.

Wolves displayed metronomic efficiency to repel their visitors’ attacks and build up a fifteen-point lead by the second half. Eagles demonstrated their championship qualities to soar back into the contest and take an 81-83 lead with four minutes to play. A huge three-pointer from Jamal Williams regained the advantage, but the outcome was still on an edge at 90-89 with 37 seconds remaining. Newcastle’s player-coach Fabulous Flournoy stood at the free-throw line with a chance to put his side ahead but, under pressure from baying home supporters, missed badly with both shots. From there it was left to Chavis Holmes to see out a thrilling 99-91 victory with a succession of made free-throws.

Wolves’ Coach Paul James summarised the evening, enthusing: “We got ourselves into a great position with a good lead, but Newcastle don’t go unbeaten for nearly twenty matches without knowing how to find ways to win. They came right back at us, but we held our nerve on the back of tremendous support from our fans. What a fantastic game and what a fantastic atmosphere. No one wanted to give an inch. That was a great spectacle for British basketball.”

The evening began with a couple of baskets apiece for Holmes and Williams, moving Worcester 10-2 ahead. Robert Thurman showed little sign of his recent ankle injury when rising high to swat away a shot from Newcastle guard Ramon Fletcher, also helping himself to a double of scores and his side to a 23-16 first quarter advantage.

Remi Dibo and Alex Owumi rattled home consecutive three-pointers while Thurman continued to make a nuisance of himself closer to the hoop. As the half-time buzzer sounded recent-signing Paul Guede floated in a three-pointer from the corner of the court to bring up a 45-34 interval lead.

Wolves continued to ride the efficiency of Thurman inside and the calmness of Holmes and Guede in creating scoring opportunities, to maximise the advantage at 63-48 midway through the third quarter. As the period ran down Eagles’ veteran Charles Smith developed a hot hand, downing a triple of scores to close the margin to 71-66.

The visitors’ momentum carried over into the final period with Fletcher and his backcourt partner Drew Lasker weaving their way to the basket on successive occasions, setting up the exciting finale.

There were solid contributions to the victory across the Wolves’ squad. Holmes and Thurman led the scoring with 24 and 21 points respectively, followed by 18 points for Guede and 15 points for Owumi. Guede just missed out on completing a double-double of statistics with nine rebounds, while Williams pulled down eight boards to accompany his 11 points.

Worcester now sit just two points behind Newcastle, having played one game more. Asked about his side’s title chances, Paul James replied: “Today showed that what we have in Worcester is a team. There were five guys scoring in double figures and three players who also contributed in other ways. I’m proud of the strength and mettle we are displaying. We’ll take care of what we have to do.”

As James was whisked away by a series of delighted well-wishers, Assistant Coach Alex Radu chipped in to add his praise for the team and for fans’ support, saying: “Everyone gave something tonight. The noise from the crowd really got the players going at the end. The supporters were behind us when we were in the lead and behind us when we fell behind. It was a fabulous atmosphere and added energy and fresh legs for the players.”

It will be a fortnight, (Friday 23 January), before Wolves play again at the University of Worcester Arena, entertaining Sheffield Sharks. Before then they will face a double-header of games next weekend, at Bristol Flyers on Saturday followed the next day by a trip to Durham Wildcats.