Leeds Force 76-101 Worcester Wolves

Worcester Wolves warmed up for Wednesday’s BBL Trophy semi-final against Sheffield Sharks by taking care of Leeds Force 101-76 in Yorkshire on Sunday.

With Wolves already having a comfortable 50-29 lead in the bag by half-time, against the British Basketball League’s basement club, coach Paul James took the chance to spread minutes across his team.

Leeds fought gamely to keep with their visitors at 16-16 with three minutes remaining in the opening quarter.

James ushered Brandon Parrish and George Beamon into the action and both players made an instant impact with their initial touches. Parrish drained a three-pointer while Beamon drove to the hoop for two points and a bonus foul shot, aiding a 29-18 advantage entering the second period.

Captain Alex Navajas sank his third triple and then laid on a double of backdoor assists for Parrish and Trayvon Palmer to convert, breaking their host’s spirit as they trooped into the locker rooms.

Leeds ignited with a series of long-range scores as the second half got under way, but were unable to replicate their success on the inside. Robert Gilchrist put in a shift close to the basket for eleven third-quarter points as Worcester coasted to a 78-49 lead.

Parrish and Beamon continued to accumulate points and rarely-used Zach Noble thrilled his teammates with a shot on target from outside the arc to push Wolves over the century mark as the full-time hooter sounded.

“We stamped our authority on the match from early on,” said James.

“The players approached the game in the right way and once we got comfortably ahead we had the chance to try out a few different sets and line-ups.”

Parrish led the scoring with 27 points. Beamon tallied 21 points and Navajas 19.

Worcester’s focus now switches to hosting Sheffield Sharks at the University of Worcester Arena this Wednesday (7.30pm). Tickets are available here

“We had a solid display today. Sheffield will be a different challenge. We cannot afford to have any periods of defensive lapses and have to stay focused. We want to put ourselves in good stead for the away leg,” added James.

“Our fans gave the players a tremendous cheer when they came out on court last week. They can give us another big boost on Wednesday.”

Match report by Colin Taylor

Image credit Razorlight Imagery