Newcastle Eagles 103-112 Worcester Wolves

Worcester Wolves have produced one of the upsets of the season by coming away from the home of Newcastle Eagles, the leaders of the British Basketball League, with a stunning 112-103 victory.
Last weekend Newcastle revelled in their capture of the BBL Cup while at the same time Worcester players were left dispirited after suffering defeat against lowly Bristol Flyers. Despite those differing fortunes, by this Friday’s encounter it was difficult to detect any gulf in class between the two teams.

Neither side could pull away from the other up to half-time. However, a startling 30-16 third-quarter blitz would put Worcester in control.

Coach Paul James declared himself “super-proud” of his team, saying: “The guys have been pushing and challenging each other all week in training – they have been beasted.
“Our game plan was to stand up to Newcastle and to do to them what they usually do to others. None of our players was going to back down. Our efforts have been rewarded today – I’m super-proud of the players.”

Ex-Worcester forward Orlan Jackman was amongst the contributors to an early 19-10 advantage for the Eagles that left James calling for a time-out.

By a couple of minutes remaining in the opening quarter James’ charges had responded in morale-boosting fashion, with a dozen points from Danny Huffor helping them to take their first lead at 24-21. By half-time the teams were still close together, with the hosts having the edge at 50-47.

Three minutes after the interval Trevor Setty launched a shot from considerably behind the three-point line. When it hit its target the floodgates opened. Marek Klassen twice danced to the hoop, lobbed the ball up for Jermel Kennedy to jab home, and finalised his outburst by standing up straight to take a hard charge from Newcastle’s Deondre Parks.

Accompanied by Maurice Walker determinedly grinding his way to a quartet of baskets, Wolves moved 77-66 ahead entering the final quarter.

A delightful behind-the-back no-look pass from Klassen presented Alex Navajas with an easy score to further extend the lead. Ashton Khan joined in the entertainment as he repeatedly sidestepped defenders to pile up a highly-impressive 16 last-quarter points.

Khan’s final total of 22 points was sandwiched by 23 from Walker and 21 by Huffor. Rahmon Fletcher dominated Newcastle’s scoring with 34 points.

Worcester are on the road again this Sunday at London Lions (tip off 4.00). “We had six players today with double-figure points, not just one player out on his own,” said James. “This was a superb team effort – we now need to back up this performance against London.”
Wolves return to the University of Worcester Arena on Friday 27 January, welcoming Surrey Scorchers to the city.

For enquiries, please contact: worcesterwolves@worc.ac.uk