Worcester Wolves 88-99 Cheshire Phoenix

Worcester Wolves’ coach Paul James spoke for everyone involved with the club in expressing disappointment at seeing his side lose to Cheshire Phoenix in the British Basketball League Cup Final on Sunday.

A huge turnout of Wolves fans were amongst 10,000 spectators at Arena Birmingham entertained by a first-half poised at just 41-40 in favour of Cheshire. But a blistering third quarter put Phoenix firmly in control on the way to their 99-88 triumph.

“This really hurts,” said James. “We had a good week of preparation and began the game well. But once Cheshire raised their defensive intensity we lost our way.

“A couple of lapses here and there and all of a sudden we were left to chase the game. Credit to Cheshire – they took us out of our sets and broke our rhythm. They deserved the win.”

Worcester sprinted out of the blocks with a double of three-pointers from Trayvon Palmer and Alex Navajas in an 8-0 lead. Dallin Bachynski set up shop close to the basket for eleven early points and a 21-13 advantage as the initial quarter wound down.

However, Bachynski’s opposite number, CJ Gettys, connected either side of the quarter break to reverse the scores in favour of Phoenix at 28-27.

By half-time the sides were still close together, but with Cheshire handicapped by seeing their captain, former Worcester forward Orlan Jackman, pick up his third foul.

Seven quick points for an enlivened Elvisi Dusha aided another tie, at 49-49, three minutes into the second half.

But this would be the last time that Wolves were in contention. A series of badly-judged shots, turnovers and an unsportsmanlike foul called against Navajas stymied Worcester’s offense.

In the meantime a quartet of Phoenix threes rained down, pulling them out to a healthy 73-62 cushion entering the last period.

While managing several outside successes, Wolves struggled to just a single inside score over the final ten minutes. Brimming with confidence, Cheshire were left to dance to victory in front of their dejected opponents.

Michael Ojo came off the bench to top-score for Wolves with 18 points. Bachynski tallied 16 points, closely followed by Dusha and Palmer on 15 points apiece.

Cheshire’s Malcolm Riley was voted Most Valuable Player after an impressive 26-point performance, supported by Gettys with a handy 19 points.

Wolves are next in action against league-leaders Leicester Riders at the University of Worcester Arena this Friday 2 February (tip off 7.30). Tickets are available here.

James added: “It was great to get to a final, but then we didn’t finish the job. But we are going to be better off because of this defeat.

“We certainly didn’t play as well as we should have. Everyone is really disappointed. This ought to make us stronger.”

Match report by Colin Taylor

Image credit Razorlight Imagery