London Lions 77-86 Worcester Wolves

Worcester Wolves have sent out a message as they move towards the post-season playoffs by following up Friday’s victory over high-flying Newcastle Eagles with an outstanding 86-77 success at London Lions on Sunday.

Their double-win weekend puts Wolves firmly in the mix for a top-four finish in the British Basketball League with a fortnight’s fixtures to play, leaving Coach Paul James excited about his team’s current form, saying:

“We’ve had a fantastic weekend, taking down two of the league’s top contenders. First we took care of Newcastle and now we’ve got past a London team that had just won eight in a row.

“The players have banded together and are working really hard for each other. I’m very proud of them.”

Wolves recovered from an early deficit to draw level by half-time. The second half was a back-and-forth encounter until the visitors capitalised on London foul trouble to draw clear.

Former Worcester forward Paul Guede rattled in a swift eight points to open the afternoon. Trayvon Palmer replied with a similarly-impressive eleven points but was then forced to the bench after collecting his third foul.

Lions led 27-16 with a couple of minutes left in the first quarter before the Wolves comeback commenced. Michael Ojo sank triples either side of the quarter interval and George Beamon scored on a fast break following a Dallin Bachynski block.

When Bachynski confidently stepped back for a three-pointer it moved Worcester in front for the first time at 36-34 approaching the half.

Alex Navajas featured heavily in the early moments of the third quarter. As he drove to the hoop he served up an easy basket for Palmer. As the shot-clock wound down on his side’s next possession he nailed a three. Another long-distance score finalised an 8-0 tear and a 47-39 advantage.

However, Lions displayed the resilience that had set them on their hot streak of wins to tie matters up at 60-60 as the final period opened.

The teams then took turns to lead. At four minutes remaining the contest was again even at 72-72 before London began to see players disqualified from the action. Jonathon Thompson went first, quickly followed by the dangerous Cory Dixon.

Bustling big man Flo Larkai clumsily barrelled into Palmer to curtail his involvement and allow Wolves to see out the win with repeated trips to the free-throw line.

Palmer and Bachynski led the way for Worcester with 24 points apiece. Beamon tallied 13 points, closely followed by 12 points each for Navajas and Ojo.

James paid tribute to his side’s team ethic, saying:

“Getting five players in double-figure scoring shows that we are getting people into the right places. Everyone understands the value of the extra pass.

“Allied to that, I’m really pleased with our intensity in defence. London have been hitting big scores lately, yet we held them down to just 77 points. That speaks volumes for our focus and concentration.”
Wolves face another double of matches next weekend, both games taking place on the road. On Friday, (7.30pm), they travel to Sheffield Sharks before making the trip down the M5 to Bristol Flyers, (7.30pm), the following day.

Forward Robert Gilchrist will fly back from representing England at the Commonwealth Games in Australia to bolster Wolves’ squad.

“Getting Robert back will be a boost for us and help with our numbers,” added James.

“We’re all really excited at the moment at how we’ve played and we’re raring to go again. We’re looking forward to another massive weekend.”

Match report by Colin Taylor
Image credit Razorlight Imagery