Worcester Wolves 93-75 Surrey Scorchers

Friday 06 December 2019

Worcester Wolves opened their British Basketball League regular-season fixtures in successful fashion by sweeping past Surrey Scorchers 93-75 at the University of Worcester Arena on Friday.

A devastating first quarter where they restricted their opponents to just single-digit scoring set Wolves on the path to victory. By half-time the hosts had accumulated nearly double their visitors’ points total for an overpowering 47-24 lead.

Cortez Edwards was in the thick of the action in the early going. After his miss was thrown back through the net by Jordan Williams he supplied a deft assist for Mark Hughes to dunk home.

Four minutes into the match Edwards floated in a three-pointer for an 11-3 advantage, precipitating a hurried Scorchers time-out.

Already 19-9 in front entering the second quarter, Worcester increased the punishment on the back of dynamic inside play from recent big man signing Amir Williams.

Time and again Williams brushed aside flailing defenders to sink his shots or stood tall to reject Surrey attacks, amassing an intimidating 12 points, 12 rebounds and four blocks first half stat-line.

Wolves’ dominance continued into the second half. Hughes produced another dunk after a long-range assist from Marten Bouwknecht and Julius Van Sauers got in on the slam-action after stealing the ball at half court.

A couple of minutes into the last quarter Worcester’s 77-49 command prompted head coach Matt Newby to begin introducing his bench players to the court, finally easing Scorchers torment.

Amir Williams finished the evening with 21 points and 19 rebounds. Hughes and Edwards tallied 17 points apiece with the latter also pulling down 10 rebounds. Kofi Josephs posted 15 points, closely followed by Jordan Williams with 14.

Wolves face a double-header of action next weekend. On Friday 13 December (7.30) they welcome Leicester Riders to the University of Worcester Arena for the first leg of their BBL Cup semi-final tie.

Tickets for the semi final are available now on the website and from the University of Worcester Arena.

The next day, Saturday 14 December (7.30), sees Wolves travel down to M5 neighbours Bristol Flyers for more league action.