Team Northumbria 63-93 Worcester Wolves

Worcester Wolves overcame the potential banana-skin of a visit to last season’s Division One winners, Team Northumbria, to move into the last eight of the BBL Trophy on Sunday.

After allowing their hosts to reduce a fifteen-point half-time lead to just 51-44 as the second half began, Wolves produced a stunning 13-0 run to re-assert their authority on the way to a comfortable 93-63 final outcome.

University of Worcester graduate Siman Stewart opened Northumbria’s scoring. Wolves took aim from the outside to float in five three-pointers in a 26-22 first quarter lead.

Robert Gilchrist notched three baskets in a row, Ashton Khan spun around beneath the hoop and Dallin Bachynski slammed home a dunk as the advantage widened to 49-34 by the interval.

Eight unanswered points from Northumbria guard Blayne Freckleton briefly appeared to threaten Worcester’s control. But the visitors responded by turning up their defensive intensity to contain Northumbria to just four further points in the last seven minutes of the third quarter.

Already dominating at 71-48 as the final period began, Wolves once more placed a lid over their basket, while dancing to multiple successes at the other end of the court. Two George Beamon triples rounded out a decisive 88-50 scoreboard with six minutes left in the evening.

Gilchrist and Bachynski had their way on the inside, the former posting 18 points and 12 rebounds and the latter 14 and 11. Beamon sunk 15 points, with Khan and Brandon Parrish both tallying 13 points.

Coach Paul James declared his satisfaction with the win, saying:

“We gave Northumbria the respect they deserve for what they have achieved in their league. They came back at us once or twice but I always felt we could move up a gear whenever we had to.
“We had a chance to try out some different schemes and new plays, so I’m really pleased that we could do that and still come away with a good win.”

Wolves return to the University of Worcester Arena this Friday 15 December (tip off 7.30) to greet Leeds Force. Tickets are available here.

“The players will get some rest after a long trip and we’ll then make sure we do our homework ready for Leeds,” added James.

Match report by Colin Taylor
Image credit Razorlight Imagery