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Post by Solly on Jul 25, 2020 16:54:41 GMT
And just before that hosting of Newcastle, Wolves again saw off Plymouth.
And 2015 saw the first-time go-around in the BBL for Ben Mockford.
-------------------------------
Sunday 04 January 2015
Plymouth Raiders 90-95 Worcester Wolves
Worcester Wolves have started the New Year in successful fashion after grinding out a 95-90 win at Plymouth Raiders on Sunday.
By the close of the first half Wolves had established a nine-point lead and looked in control. Towards the close of the third quarter they had fallen behind 61-68.
As the final period progressed Worcester once more stepped on the gas to overtake their hosts, with one-time Plymouth forward Jamal Williams particularly impressing against his former employers with 21 points.
The opening quarter was notable for an explosion of three-pointers from Raiders. Pierre Hampton connected twice, while their latest signing, Great Britain guard Ben Mockford, was on target three times.
Wolves’ centre Robert Thurman returned to the court for the first time after sitting out a trio of matches with an ankle injury, making an immediate impact when jamming home a Remi Dibo miss.
It was Thurman who moved Worcester ahead at 30-29 as the second period began.
With four minutes remaining until the interval, a couple of baskets from point guard Chavis Holmes ignited a 14-4 burst to close the half at 51-42.
Williams maximised the Wolves’ advantage at eleven points straight after the break, but Plymouth once again found their range from long-distance to roar back into the contest.
Josh Wilcher started the run, followed by his backcourt partner Brent Benson. Mockford showed continuing accuracy to sink another trio of triples, with Hampton icing the comeback.
With eight minutes of the afternoon left, the teams were tied at 71-71. A Thurman finger-roll nudged Worcester in front before Benson replied.
The sides were finally broken apart at 84-75 following a double of scores from reserve guard Disraeli Lufadeju.
Plymouth slowed the end by repeatedly sending their visitors to the free-throw line, but were by then unable to replicate their earlier shooting success.
Thurman, Holmes and recent addition Paul Guede all put forward impressive performances.
Thurman returned 14 points and nine rebounds; Holmes totalled 19 points and nine boards, while Guede’s numbers stood at 17 points and eight rebounds.
Wolves’ coach Paul James was pleased to see across-the-board contributions to the victory, saying:
“Plymouth got hot at the start and again in the third quarter, but we kept our composure and shut them down.
“Jamal was superb and is revelling in playing major minutes. With four other guys scoring in double-figures, we had a great balance.”
The next outing for the Wolves will take place this Friday at the University of Worcester Arena versus top-of the table Newcastle Eagles.
Wolves remain the only team to defeat them so far this season. James remarked:
“We beat them at their place on opening night but they haven’t lost since. It will undoubtedly be tough, but we’ll be ready for them.”
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Post by Solly on Jul 26, 2020 12:43:34 GMT
And here's my newspaper report of the Newcastle fiesta - only their second loss of that season, with the other defeat being inflicted by Worcester .
Everyone was so bloody well f'in excited 
Wolves had Newc's number that season 
---------------------------------
Friday 09 January 2015
Worcester Wolves 99-91 Newcastle Eagles
Worcester Wolves have ensured they stay in the hunt for top spot in the British Basketball League by overcoming table-toppers Newcastle Eagles at a packed University of Worcester Arena.
Newcastle came into Friday’s match on the back of a sensational 19-game unbeaten run, having not tasted defeat since the season’s opening night back in September, again at the hands of Worcester.
Wolves displayed metronomic efficiency to repel their visitors’ attacks and build up a fifteen-point lead by the second half.
Eagles demonstrated their championship qualities to soar back into the contest and take an 83-81 lead with four minutes to play.
A huge three-pointer from Jamal Williams regained the advantage, but the outcome was still on an edge at 90-89 with 37 seconds remaining.
Newcastle’s player-coach Fabulous Flournoy stood at the free-throw line with a chance to put his side ahead but, under pressure from baying home supporters, missed badly with both shots.
From there it was left to Chavis Holmes to see out a thrilling 99-91 victory with a succession of made free-throws.
Wolves’ Coach Paul James summarised the evening, enthusing:
“We got ourselves into a great position with a good lead, but Newcastle don’t go unbeaten for nearly twenty matches without knowing how to find ways to win.
“They came right back at us, but we held our nerve on the back of tremendous support from our fans. What a fantastic game and what a fantastic atmosphere.
“No one wanted to give an inch. That was a great spectacle for British basketball.”
The evening began with a couple of baskets apiece for Holmes and Williams, moving Worcester 10-2 ahead.
Robert Thurman showed little sign of his recent ankle injury when rising high to swat away a shot from Newcastle guard Ramon Fletcher, also helping himself to a double of scores and his side to a 23-16 first quarter advantage.
Remi Dibo and Alex Owumi rattled home consecutive three-pointers while Thurman continued to make a nuisance of himself closer to the hoop.
As the half-time buzzer sounded recent-signing Paul Guede floated in a three-pointer from the corner of the court to bring up a 45-34 interval lead.
Wolves continued to ride the efficiency of Thurman inside and the calmness of Holmes and Guede in creating scoring opportunities, to maximise the advantage at 63-48 midway through the third quarter.
As the period ran down Eagles’ veteran Charles Smith developed a hot hand, downing a triple of scores to close the margin to 71-66.
The visitors’ momentum carried over into the final period with Fletcher and his backcourt partner Drew Lasker weaving their way to the basket on successive occasions, setting up the exciting finale.
There were solid contributions to the victory across the Wolves’ squad. Holmes and Thurman led the scoring with 24 and 21 points respectively, followed by 18 points for Guede and 15 points for Owumi.
Guede just missed out on completing a double-double of statistics with nine rebounds, while Williams pulled down eight boards to accompany his 11 points.
Worcester now sit just two points behind Newcastle, having played one game more. Asked about his side’s title chances, Paul James replied:
“Today showed that what we have in Worcester is a team. There were five guys scoring in double figures and three players who also contributed in other ways.
“I’m proud of the strength and mettle we are displaying. We’ll take care of what we have to do.”
As James was whisked away by a series of delighted well-wishers, Assistant Coach Alex Radu chipped in to add his praise for the team and for fans’ support, saying:
“Everyone gave something tonight. The noise from the crowd really got the players going at the end.
“The supporters were behind us when we were in the lead and behind us when we fell behind. It was a fabulous atmosphere and added energy and fresh legs for the players.”
It will be a fortnight, (Friday 23 January), before Wolves play again at the University of Worcester Arena, entertaining Sheffield Sharks.
Before then they will face a double-header of games next weekend, at Bristol Flyers on Saturday followed the next day by a trip to Durham Wildcats.
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Post by Solly on Jul 27, 2020 8:50:49 GMT
And here was my prog article reflections on Worcester's domination of Newcastle that season.
------------------------
In our first home game of the New Year we faced Newcastle Eagles.
In our first away game of the 2014 season we faced the same side, but at their place.
Same opposition, same result: victory.
Eagles came bouncing into our latest encounter on the back of a sensational 19-match unbeaten run. No bother, we owned them (again).
Tick-tock, tick-tock was the sound as we calmly repelled their attacks and clinically completed our plays.
Fifteen points up and it all looked handsome. But you don’t build up such a record as the Eagles hold without a backbone, and so it was that they clawed back the deficit and even took an 81-83 lead with four minutes to play.
As we clung to a perilous 90-89 advantage with half-a-minute remaining, Newcastle’s player-coach Fabulous Flournoy stood at the free-throw line with a chance to put his side ahead.
Under pressure from our howling home supporters he drew iron with both shots.
From there it was left to Chavis to see out a thrilling 99-91 victory with a succession of made free-throws. Wonderful.
Chavis Holmes – 24pts, 7 assists. Ice-ice baby.
Alex Owumi – 15pts, 8 rebounds. Demon.
Jamal Williams – 11pts, 8 rebounds, 6 assists. Good enough numbers to earn a BBL Team-of-the-Week spot.
Paul Guede – 18pts, 9 rebounds. Just a whisker away from a double-double.
Robert Thurman – 21pts, 7 rebounds. Back with a bang.
Disraeli Lufadeju – 4pts. Keen.
Remi Dibo – 6pts, 2 triples. Dangerous.
Kalil Irving – Limited minutes.
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Post by Solly on Jul 27, 2020 9:01:40 GMT
And a surprisingly-close couple of road wins. First up was Bristol.
Whatever happened to Mathias Seilund and the wonderfully-named Bryquis Perine?
------------------------- Saturday 17 January 2015
Bristol Flyers 68-69 Worcester Wolves
Worcester Wolves took their fifth win on the  on Saturday, but only secured victory in the dying seconds when defeating Bristol Flyers 69-68.
Last weekend Wolves triumphed against Newcastle Eagles, the current leaders of the British Basketball League.
This week they travelled to the home of a team sitting towards the other end of the table and, as might have been expected, raced to a comfortable early lead.
By half-time the advantage stood at 48-35. However, a dearth of offence after the break saw Bristol claw their way back into the contest and eventually take a one-point lead with less than half-a-minute to play.
Wolves’ playmaker Chavis Holmes took responsibility for a last response, teasingly dribbling the ball from side to side as the clock wound down.
As a large band of travelling Worcester fans held their breath, he finally drove forwards and released a teardrop shot that fell through the hoop.
The evening began in confident fashion for the visitors with Holmes, Alex Owumi and Paul Guede all banging in three-pointers before any Flyers’ reply.
Another triple apiece for Holmes and Owumi helped accumulate a 23-17 first quarter lead.
Holmes eagerly pounced on consecutive Bristol turnovers at the start of the second period, further boosting Wolves’ cause.
French forward Remi Dibo was on target at the half-time buzzer to maximise his side’s advantage.
The tide turned after the interval. Flyers’ aggressive centre Mathias Seilund bustled his way towards a series of scores, while guard Bryquis Perine increasingly found his way to the basket
.
In contrast, Worcester could muster just three scores across the entire third quarter.
By four minutes of the evening remaining, Wolves were clinging to a slender 63-61 lead.
A welcome four points from Disraeli Lufadeju seemed to have settled the nerves, before a double of responses from Seilund.
Trailing by a single point during the final minute, Bristol guard Greg Streete grabbed hold of a Jamal William’s fumble to reverse the lead and bring a capacity home crowd to their feet in delight.
It was left to the calm head of Holmes to take charge and clinch the victory for Worcester.
Coach Paul James described the nail-biting last moments:
“It was a designed play for Chavis. We drew it up and we were either going to score or not.
“Chavis came through for us.”
Referring to the difference between his side’s first and second-half performances, James added:
“We got away from what gave us success before the break. We stopped sharing the ball and played as individuals.
“Thankfully we clinched it at the end.”
Holmes and Owumi top-scored for Wolves with 22 and 17 points respectively. Seilund led the way for Bristol with 25 points.
Today (Sunday) Wolves are on the road again, at Durham Wildcats, in defence of the BBL Trophy. They will return to the University of Worcester Arena next Friday, 23 January, to host Sheffield Sharks.
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Post by Solly on Jul 27, 2020 9:04:06 GMT
And a thriller at Durham.
Whatever happened to John PUK?
--------------------- Sunday 18 January 2015
Durham Wildcats 84-86 Worcester Wolves
Worcester Wolves successfully began the first stage of their defence of the BBL Trophy they won last March, by taking a hard-fought 86-84 triumph at Durham Wildcats on Sunday.
The day before, Wolves gave up a thirteen-point half-time lead at Bristol Flyers before squeaking a one-point victory.
It was a case of deja-vu up in the North-East when Worcester again relinquished a double-digit advantage before holding on at the death.
The game began brightly for the Wildcats when their 6 foot 10 inch centre John Puk grabbed the ball from the tip-off and duly converted. He would also sink his side’s next three baskets.
Wolves’ guards Paul Guede and Alex Owumi were both on target from long-range to keep the scores close.
New-signing Dejan Radojevic entered the fray towards the close of the opening quarter to notch his first ever points in a Worcester vest, from foul shots awarded after a tussle with Puk.
At the start of the second period Radojevic tallied his first success from the field after hustling to a missed triple from Remi Dibo.
By half-time matters were looking relatively comfortable for the visitors with a 42-32 lead.
Owumi maintained his accuracy from distance with a couple of conversions in the third quarter, but Wildcats’ forward Fran Urli did likewise to reduce the arrears to 64-59.
With Wolves’ first-choice centre Robert Thurman still troubled by his recent ankle injury it was left to Radojevic to battle around the basket with his counterpart Puk.
In stark contrast to his scoreless debut performance against Bristol, Radojevic now displayed the aggression expected of a near seven-footer.
A double of close-range scores either side of a smooth step-back three-pointer kept his team in front at 76-70 with four minutes to play.
Durham guard Chris Jones inspired his team-mates with five quick points and a steal from Owumi, gifting the ball for his backcourt partner Panos Mayindombe to convert and give Wildcats their first lead of the afternoon at 77-76.
As the final minute approached Radojevic bullied his way to a rebound, presenting Chavis Holmes with the opportunity to regain the advantage.
At 14 seconds remaining, Urli connected with a triple to leave the outcome still poised at 83-82, before an exchange of free throws finally decided the victors.
Owumi top-scored for Wolves with 22 points, closely followed by Radojevic with 20 points. Urli and Mayindombe led the way for Durham with 18 points apiece.
Wolves’ Coach Paul James reflected on a hard double-header, saying:
“This was the second game of a weekend where we have had to tough out victories.
“Durham are a side full of shooters so it was always possible that they would get back into the match.
“Today, and at Bristol, we showed that we can triumph in tight games. The experience will stand us in good stead as we progress down the stretch of the season.”
Asked about the big difference in the displays over the two nights from new-face Dejan Radojevic, James replied:
“Dejan learnt from Saturday. He agreed with me that he should become more aggressive. I told him that when we give him the ball he needs to take it straight to the hoop.
“He made a big contribution today and can only get even better once he integrates more into our system.”
There will be a first chance for home fans to see Radojevic when Wolves return to the University of Worcester Arena this Friday to face Sheffield Sharks.
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Post by Solly on Jul 28, 2020 8:57:05 GMT
And here's my report of another close call, this time over the Sharkies.
I enjoyed describing Thurman's ejection of his gumshield 
------------------------------
Friday 23 January 2015
Worcester Wolves 78-75 Sheffield Sharks
Worcester Wolves have made it six of the best in extending their winning streak in the British Basketball League.
The latest victory, 78-75 over Sheffield Sharks, keeps Wolves in second place in the table, level on points with Newcastle Eagles, but having played two more matches.
The hosts did just enough to keep their noses in front for most of the contest, leading to another thrilling finish in front of another big Friday night crowd at the University of Worcester Arena.
Sheffield looked ill at ease in the early going. In the first five minutes they fumbled the ball out of bounds, put up a shot that hit nothing but air and even failed to make a shot attempt within the permitted 24 seconds.
In the meantime Wolves calmly went about their business. Robert Thurman marked his return to action with a sky hook over the outstretched arms of his opponents and Paul Guede was on-form with a double of three-pointers.
Leading 19-12 entering the second quarter, it was now Worcester’s turn to falter. Five minutes would elapse before their next success from the field, a triple from Jamal Williams.
Sheffield’s post-Christmas signing Mike Cook showed the qualities that won him the 2010 BBL Player of the Year award, notching scores to push his side ahead at 26-23.
Still trailing at 30-31 with less than two minutes remaining until half-time, home debutant Dejan Radojevic nailed his first points
.
In the dying seconds, Guede managed to dislodge the ball from the hands of Cook, racing down-court for a spectacular sideways dunk and a 39-33 advantage.
Wolves held the Sharks at bay during the third period. Guede and Thurman continued to shine, the former from the outside and the latter close to the basket.
Thurman even raised chuckles from the crowd when spewing out his mouth-guard after one burst of frenetic activity.
At six minutes to go in the evening, Worcester led 65-56.
By two minutes to play, a streak of scoring from Sharks’ British guard Nick Lewis had narrowed the gap to 69-66 .
Thurman had to leave the fray after picking up his fifth foul and also drew a technical penalty for voicing his displeasure to match officials. Sheffield’s resultant free throws were converted and Lewis again connected, reversing the lead to 70-69.
In reply, Wolves’ captain Alex Owumi was on target from distance to bring spectators to their feet.
Guards Chavis Holmes and Guede made shots from the charity stripe to ease their side clear at 77-70.
However, the drama was still not fully played out as more points from Lewis dragged Sheffield back to 77-75 with just seven seconds to go.
But Radojevic kept his cool to make the second of two free throws to seal the success.
Thurman led four double-digit scorers for the Wolves, with 17 points, alongside eight rebounds. Guede was similarly productive with 16 points and nine rebounds, while Holmes and Owumi tallied 15 and 13 points respectively.
Cook top-scored for Sheffield with 15 points.
While acknowledging that this was another close victory, Coach Paul James was satisfied with the evening, saying:
“It was another tight game for us, but as long as we get another notch in the win column then we’re doing our job.
“We’ve been in many close matches this season, but we’ve learnt to stick to our guns and not panic in those situations.”
Wolves return to the University of Worcester Arena next Friday to host Surrey United, followed the next day by a trip to Leicester Riders, in defence of the BBL Trophy they won last March.
James stated that he will ensure that everyone stays focused during an important double-header of action in two competitions, saying:
“We cannot take Surrey lightly on Friday – Donatas (Visockis) will be coming back to Worcester, alongside several other threats.
“It has to be one game at a time for us. We’ll look to take care of business on Friday, before focusing on Leicester the next day.”
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Post by Solly on Jul 29, 2020 12:49:29 GMT
And here is my prog article for the Surrey home game, reflecting on that 69-68 thriller in Bristol.
It might have been the season after Birmingham's BBL re-appearance but I was still complaining about their Barry White court!
-------------------------------------
In their current incarnation, today’s visitors Surrey United are only a second-year team in the BBL.
There are a couple of first-year sides this season, Leeds Force and Bristol Flyers. A fortnight ago we made our first trip down to Bristol.
Their venue is reminiscent of our pre-Arena days, with seating largely limited to just one side, and of the tiered-bench variety.
I couldn’t return to that backache-inducing format on a regular basis thank you. That gripe aside, tidy match-night presentation and a competitive team augurs well for Flyers’ future.
Quite a contrast to Birmingham’s fleeting (re) appearance in the big-time last year - a winless team and, at one point, a court that even contained a speed-bump!
Anyway, on to the game itself.
By half-time it all looked comfortable at 48-35. However, a dearth of offence after the break saw our hosts claw their way back and even edge ahead at 68-67 with less than half-a-minute to play.
Chavis took responsibility for a last response, teasingly dribbling the ball from side to side as the clock ticked down.
Me and the rest of a large band of travelling fans held our breath until he finally drove forwards and floated home the game-winner. Phew.
Chavis Holmes – 22pts. The man.
Alex Owumi – 17pts, 8 rebounds. The man next to the man.
Jamal Williams – 7pts, 6 rebounds. Tough.
Paul Guede – 3pts. Quiet.
Remi Dibo – 7pts. Ditto.
Kalil Irving – 3pts. Battled.
Disraeli Lufadeju – 10pts. Welcome energy.
Dejan Radojevic – A quiet debut.
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Post by Solly on Jul 29, 2020 12:55:34 GMT
And a poor performance followed on that night, against a poor Surrey side.
------------------------------------
Friday 30 January 2015
Worcester Wolves 71-70 Surrey United
Despite a performance described by their coach Paul James as probably their worst of the season, Worcester Wolves still managed to sneak a 71-70 win over Surrey United on Friday.
Wolves’ previous two matches at the University of Worcester also saw narrow triumphs, but the opponents on those occasions were much higher-ranked teams than this week’s visitors, a Surrey side that had only gained four league wins versus sixteen losses.
The score was tight throughout the contest, but a 71-67 lead with two free throws to follow, at just 22 seconds remaining, ought to have been enough to see Wolves through.
However, on a night when the hosts had already missed an eye-opening eleven foul shots, Paul Guede joined the long list of culprits by also squandering both late attempts.
After a three-point play from United guard Anthony Downing, Wolves still had possession of the ball but, when it was subsequently fumbled out of bounds by Robert Thurman, young English guard Elvisi Dusha narrowly failed to connect with a late winner.
James expressed his dismay at his side’s display, saying:
“I’m really disappointed with the level of our performance. Too many things were happening that shouldn’t have.
“I don’t know where the players’ heads were tonight. Yes its two points in the win column, but that’s all it was.”
Wolves had the better of the early exchanges close to the basket, with Thurman on target four times in the first quarter.
In the second quarter, captain Alex Owumi found his range, tallying thirteen points.
Worryingly, none of their team-mates contributed significant points to the 36-36 half-time score.
After the break, the offence for everyone in a Wolves vest, save for point guard Chavis Holmes, dried up.
Meanwhile Surrey’s recent signing Dominique Coleman came to the fore with a triple of baskets.
Dusha sank a three-pointer and Erick Forson pumped his fist in the air when doing likewise as the third quarter ended with Worcester trailing 57-58.
An injection of enthusiasm from Disraeli Lufadeju garnered him a steal and a long-range success, and his side a 63-59 cushion.
When the dangerous Coleman was forced off court having picked up his fifth foul, and with six minutes remaining, it looked as if the match could be closed out.
But, with only Holmes still scoring, United were able to prevent Wolves capitalising, so setting up the late drama.
Owumi and Holmes led the Worcester scoring with 20 and 19 points respectively.
Thurman was the only other double-digit scorer, notching 13 points to accompany his 13 rebounds.
Next up is a BBL Trophy quarter-final tie at Leicester Riders on Saturday. James warned that there will need to be significant improvement if his team are to defend the silverware they won last March, saying:
“We got away with one tonight. If we repeat that performance on Saturday at Riders then we’ll be on the end of a very bad loss.”
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Post by Solly on Jul 30, 2020 13:56:49 GMT
And here's my account of how those pesky Riders ended Worcester's Trophy defence 
Trayvonn Wright was jumping high in 2015.
------------------
Saturday 31 January 2015
Leicester Riders 80-71 Worcester Wolves
Worcester Wolves were forced to relinquish their hold on the BBL Trophy they won last March, after failing to overcome in-form Leicester Riders in their quarter-final clash on Saturday.
While it was always going to be a tough proposition to face a team who had lost just twice on their own court in over a year, Wolves made it even harder by a ponderous start to the match.
Trailing by double-digits for much of the evening, hope finally arrived for a large band of travelling fans when a 12-0 run at the start of the last quarter rattled the Riders.
However, the supply of energy needed to drag the score all the way back to 66-62 seemed to have been exhausted as Leicester regained their composure and secured the 80-71 success.
The post-match statistics showed that Riders produced double the number of assists of their visitors, as well as gathering fifty percent more rebounds.
Wolves’ coach Paul James spotlighted the differences, saying:
“Two things stood out for me. Firstly they killed us on the boards – our bigs needed to be more aggressive, making multiple efforts to get the ball, rather than just one effort.
“Added to that we had only ten assists tonight which shows we didn’t run our offense the way we should have, and didn’t get people open.”
Leicester laid down a marker from the outset, with forward Trayvonn Wright first to the tip-off, and guard Tyler Bernardini confidently floating home a three-pointer.
Going into the second quarter leading 25-21, Riders’ pattern of superiority, both on the inside and from the outside, had been set.
Their lead ballooned to 40-27 when a long shot attempt from Neil Watson bounced up off the ring and Wright gleefully leapt unhindered above the metalwork to jam the ball through the net.
By half-time the Riders advantage stood at 51-36.
Worcester captain Alex Owumi found his range to sink a couple of triples, but there was scant support from any other source during the third quarter.
Entering the final period in command at 66-50, Leicester’s offense suddenly dried up.
Remi Dibo opened his scoring account from distance, and Paul Guede was similarly accurate. Another Guede score prompted a Riders’ timeout.
From the re-start it was more of the same with Owumi again on target to bring matters to 66-61.
Faced by rejuvenated opponents, a harassed Watson then hastily inbounded the ball from the end-line all the way into his own backcourt.
However, a further timeout restored calm for the hosts and finally quelled Worcester’s revival.
James acknowledged his side’s late improvement, but noted that the damage had already been done, remarking:
“We showed battling spirit towards the end, but we needed that at the start.
“In the first half we were not allowed to play our game. It was too little too late.”
Owumi and Guede were the only stand-out Worcester scorers, with 19 and 15 points respectively.
Wolves return to league action this Friday at the University of Worcester Arena, hosting Bristol Flyers.
“I’m disappointed to lose in the Trophy, but we’re still fighting for the league title.
“We will re-group and work on running our offenses better and showing more determination in rebounding,” added James.
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Post by Solly on Jul 31, 2020 16:06:22 GMT
And here's my take in the Bristol matchnite programme of that defeat at Leicester.
By now there were warning signs for Wolves about the frailties of Thurman, and little hope of the new reserve centre, Dejan Radojevic, having any dog in him.
Dibo was also by now looking smoked...
-----------------------------
Last March many of you will have been in Glasgow witnessing our magnificent capture of the BBL Trophy. In defending the silverware we firstly downed Durham, but, unfortunately, last Saturday slipped to a 71-80 defeat at Leicester in the quarter-finals.
It was always going to be tough playing at one of the BBL’s best, but there was optimism borne out of our beating them in Loughborough just before Christmas.
There were to be no festive gifts this time round though. The day before we only sneaked to a single-point W over lowly Surrey, so there needed to be a big performance-improvement.
Straight off it all looked dodgy as we allowed Riders to dictate, particularly on the boards. Time and again our hosts were the ones who jumped highest.
A Trayvonn Wright tip-in of a Neil Watson triple-attempt typified our plight as he produced an unchallenged pogo-stick leap to joyously jam the ball through the hoop, leaving us trailing 27-40.
By half-time the deficit stood at 36-51. Only Alex was responding, from range.
At 50-66 entering the fourth quarter we looked baked.
Finally we awoke with a rousing 12-0 burst. But, as if exhausted by that spell, we reverted back to victim-mode, duly surrendering our hold on the title.
Chavis Holmes – 6pts. Subdued.
Alex Owumi – 19pts, 4 triples. Battled gamely.
Paul Guede – 15pts. 3 triples. Ditto.
Jamal Williams – 11pts. Had a go.
Robert Thurman – 8pts. Outfought.
Dejan Radojevic – 7pts. See above.
Remi Dibo – 3pts. Non-factor.
Kalil Irving – 2pts. Limited minutes.
Disraeli Lufadeju – Ditto.
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Post by Solly on Aug 1, 2020 12:58:50 GMT
And here's my report of Worcester's dismissal of Bristol that night.
----------------------------------------------
Friday 06 February 2015
Worcester Wolves 74-48 Bristol Flyers
Worcester Wolves kept up the pressure on Newcastle Eagles at the top of the British Basketball League after cruising to a convincing 74-48 victory over Bristol Flyers.
With Eagles also winning on Friday, against third-placed Leicester Riders, Wolves now stand a couple of points behind the current title-holders, but six points clear of Riders.
A standout feature of Worcester’s streak of league victories has been the tightness of the score-lines. Coach Paul James was very happy to have finally seen his charges achieve a more-comfortable win, saying:
“We came out and played a great game, with contributions across the board.
“We had a meeting during the week and thrashed out what we needed to do as a team to get to where we want to be.
“We were very active, with everyone helping each other out, rebounding as a group and hunting in a pack, and the result certainly followed tonight.”
Wolves pounced on a series of early miscues from their opponents. On consecutive possessions Flyers’ forward Mathias Seilund allowed Robert Thurman and then Paul Guede to lift the ball from his hands. Both players capitalised to score.
Alex Owumi quickly found his range from distance with a couple of three-pointers as his side eased to a 27-20 first quarter lead.
By half-time the advantage had doubled, to 43-29, with James already rotating his starters.
Recent-signing Dejan Radojevic strode in from the bench to confidently slam home an assist from point guard Chavis Holmes.
Former University of Worcester student Roy Owen notched a basket shortly after the interval, but it would take until the last two minutes of the third quarter before any other Bristol player was able to trouble the scoreboard.
In the meantime Owumi was again on target with a double of three-pointers, and current University of Worcester undergraduates Kalil Irving and Disraeli Lufadeju opened their scoring accounts.
Despite entering the final period with a 58-40 cushion there was no ease in the intensity of Wolves’ play.
Every Bristol attack to the hoop was met by a swarm of defenders, harassing the visitors into mistakes and setting up simple opportunities at the other end of the court.
James re-iterated his pleasure at what he saw and also looked ahead to his team’s trip to fellow title-challengers Cheshire Phoenix on Sunday, saying:
“To limit any side to just 48 points shows outstanding determination.
“We will be taking on a very offensive-orientated team on Sunday. We will need to compete in every aspect.
“Cheshire are certainly tough, but they are also certainly beatable, especially if we play as hard defensively as we have just shown.”
This week the club linked up with Wolves’ supporter and businessman Steve Edwards, for an innovative fund-raising initiative.
For the remainder of this season, every rebound grabbed by a Wolves’ player will result in Edwards’ company; Worcester-based search and recruitment firm Spirit Executive, donating £1 to the Riverbank Children’s Ward at the Worcestershire Royal Hospital.
The fund got off to a flying start against Bristol with Thurman, Radojevic and Irving sharing 25 of their side’s impressive 51 rebound total.
On a night when every Wolves’ player inked the score-sheet, Owumi led the way with 20 points, followed by Holmes and Guede with 12 and 10 points respectively.
After the match James confirmed the departure of French forward Remi Dibo, saying:
“Remi has made the decision to go back to France and not play for the remainder of the season.
“It’s tough here – we have expectations of what we want at the club and what we want from our players. Sometimes players can struggle with that pressure.
“We wish him well for the future and hopefully he can return to playing with another side next year.”
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Post by Solly on Aug 2, 2020 17:04:31 GMT
After a long spell of consistency, Wolves were now getting into a hot/cold pattern.
Here's what took place against a tasty Chester.
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Sunday 08 February 2015
Cheshire Phoenix 89-75 Worcester Wolves
Worcester Wolves lost out on Sunday to one of their rivals in the race for the British Basketball League, suffering a 75-89 defeat at Cheshire Phoenix.
While Wolves stay in second place in the table below Newcastle Eagles, by virtue of having played more games than any other contender, Leicester Riders and Cheshire are now snapping at their heels.
The match remained poised until a disastrous barren spell for the visitors bridging the third and fourth quarters.
A triple from Jamal Williams edged Wolves 56-55 ahead at five minutes to go in the third period, but it would be a further nine minutes before another Wolves’ score from the field, by which time Cheshire had sbasketball kited into the distance, delighting a packed Northgate Arena.
Worcester sank to defeat at the same venue in December, leading their coach Paul James to acknowledge the dominance of the opposition, saying:
“Every season you can come up against a team that seems to have your number. Today we again struggled to cope with Cheshire’s speed, size and athleticism.
“We were doing alright for a while, but then had a long spell where nothing went our way and where Chester capitalised.”
The lead see-sawed throughout the first half. Captain Alex Owumi and Paul Guede both connected with a double of three-pointers in the opening quarter, but Phoenix playmaker Dustin Salisbery was able to do likewise.
Another basket for Owumi moved Wolves 24-23 in front as the second period began. A couple of minutes later he was on the spot to swat away a Cheshire shot attempt and set up a three-point success for reserve guard Caylin Raftopoulos.
Raftopoulos floated home a further triple to maximise his side’s advantage at 37-31, four minutes before the half-time break.
Robert Thurman was forced to the bench on three fouls, leaving fellow big man Dejan Radojevic the task of battling Cheshire’s 7 foot 8 inch giant Paul Sturgess.
With Thurman back on court after the interval, taking turns with Owumi to move the away side of the scoreboard, it looked as if the evening’s victors would continue undetermined. However, after a long succession of Wolves’ shots went awry it became too late to retrieve matters.
Three Phoenix players stacked up substantial point’s totals. Demond Watt hit 25 points, with Salisbery and Taylor King totaling 23 and 22 points respectively.
For Wolves, Thurman and Jamal Williams tallied 14 points apiece.
Worcester will be in road action again next Sunday, at Durham Wildcats
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Post by Solly on Aug 2, 2020 17:17:29 GMT
Oh yeah, also meant to say that today I am delighted by the return today of Rugby League, with every match covered live by Sky.
Coupled with the return of the NBA this means that I am currently having to be most careful in my handling of Mrs S, employing a series of distraction techniques so that her focus is taken away from my monopolisation of the 55-incher.
I craftily encouraged her (at her cost) to purchase a new sewing machine last week, while I stumped up for the (much-less expensive) materials needed for her to produce face coverings.
But when that excitement wears off it may become necessary for me to have a conversation with her. I'm fairly good at umming & nodding to feign interest but she may suspect me if I do not also give fleeting eye contact which of course is difficult for me in case I consequently miss any sports action.
Have just watched St Helens wallop Catalan Dragons, Huddersfield Giants vs Leeds Rhinos starts in a few moments and then I will have to switch channel for Portland/Boston.
Additional to all that I want her to make me a cuppa, I'm parched...
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Post by Deleted on Aug 3, 2020 10:35:57 GMT
Rugby is pants.
Discuss.
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Post by Solly on Aug 3, 2020 14:08:36 GMT
hersey427 - haha you cheeky beggar 
I agree that Rugby Union is pants, but the non-poshboys relative is, in my view, superb entertainment.
If you personally, and others, have explored the sport of Rugby League to at least a reasonable extent and have not simply rejected it out of hand without reasonable exploration, then fair dos you may rightly consider it pants.
In my youth I can recollect it often taking up space on Grandstand as I awaited the Saturday teatime soccer scores. In passing, I found my self irritated by its northern-ness, particularly typified by the yackings of Eddie "Up and Under" Waring, to the extent that I rejected the sport.
Similarly, how many times have we heard dismissals of our own prized sport of basketball due to flimsy reasons such as "its full of Americans, its just loads of people endlessly running from one end to another, only tall people play it, I was forced to play it at school" etc.
We live in a cosmopolitan world...
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Post by Solly on Aug 4, 2020 13:09:20 GMT
And Wolves got back on track at Durham.
It was my rushed visit to Wildcat's ridiculously-hard-to-find venue that finally prompted me to distance myself from yet another of my old-school values in now having to purchase a sat-nav. But, to this day, l keep my trusty AA Road Atlas at hand underneath the driver's seat 
Durham's venue was (to use the current vernacular) 'pants'...
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Sunday 15 February 2015
Durham Wildcats 58-66 Worcester Wolves
Worcester Wolves got back to winning ways with an impressive 66-58 triumph at Durham Wildcats on Sunday, prompting their coach Paul James to applaud his players for successfully following the pre-game plan of closing down Durham’s outside threat, and capitalising on inside opportunities.
The match remained poised until half-time, after which Wolves held their hosts scoreless for nearly seven minutes, building a 53-40 cushion and, from then, keeping the Wildcats at bay.
Durham struggled to contain Robert Thurman who dominated the statistics with 18 points and 15 rebounds, having already accumulated a double-double by the interval.
Wildcats’ usual sharpshooters were muted, making just four of their 16 three-point attempts.
James expressed his satisfaction at the afternoon’s work, saying:
“It was a good win. We focused on our defence.
“We achieved all the things we talked about during the week, being aggressive on the boards and not giving them any time to line up their shots.
“Individually, Robert did very well – he had an opportunity to go to work on them and that’s just what he did.”
After the opening five minutes Worcester had raced to an 11-4 lead.
Durham’s Croatian forward Fran Urli pulled back four points before rattling home a quick double of outside scores to reverse the lead to 13-14.
His side still held a single-point advantage at 20-19 as the first quarter ended.
Wolves’ energetic young guard Disraeli Lufadeju pounced on a Durham turnover to sink a three-pointer.
A double of baskets from Thurman and another for Lufadeju moved Wolves back in front at 30-25.
Going into the locker rooms, the gap had closed to 39-38.
The initial two scores of the second half followed the same pattern: Thurman was first to grab the ball and put back a miss from Kalil Irving, while Irving then did likewise from a Thurman miss.
At the other end there was a proverbial lid over the Wolves’ basket. The formerly-accurate Urli now misfired badly on several occasions, as did his colleague Ralph Bucci.
There was even a dispute over the score that finally broke Durham’s drought when Joel Madourie’s rejected shot was signaled as good due to goaltending.
Thurman eventually took a seat in the last quarter to allow Dejan Radojevic to notch his first points. Wildcats continued to be harassed into turnovers or rushed shots, failing to put a dent into the Wolves’ lead.
Next-highest scorers behind Thurman were Alex Owumi and Paul Guede with 15 and 11 points respectively.
Wolves will be on the road again next Sunday, at Glasgow Rocks. Paul James stated that he will be looking for a similarly-efficient performance, remarking:
“Today we executed our game-plan. Next week we will look to do the same again, focusing our resources where we need to.”
Home fans will need to wait until Friday 27 February before their team returns to the University of Worcester Arena, to face Sheffield Sharks.
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Post by Solly on Aug 5, 2020 10:31:18 GMT
And now the rollercoaster was again on the downward slope.
Whatever happened to Dale Grieve?
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Sunday 22 February 2015
Glasgow Rocks 89-60 Worcester Wolves
Worcester Wolves have slipped down to third-place in the British Basketball League, behind Newcastle Eagles and Leicester Riders, after being soundly beaten at Glasgow Rocks on Sunday.
Wolves fell prey to a barrage of three-pointers, conceding six in the first-half alone, going 30-49 behind by the interval, with the deficit further widening to 60-89 by the end of the match.
After triumphing in a low-scoring encounter last weekend against Durham, Worcester’s coach Paul James expressed surprise that his team’s defense could have become so porous in such a short space of time, saying:
“It’s a long journey up here and we seemed to sleepwalk off the bus, struggling from the start.
“Rocks shot the ball well and whatever we did to try to counter them, they still found ways to get open.
“We made a lot of uncharacteristic errors. Once we fell behind, we found it hard to get back in the match.”
Triples for Glasgow guards Tayo Ogedengbe and Reggie Middleton set the early tone as their side moved 12-5 ahead.
Player-coach Sterling Davis stole the ball from Wolves’ Chavis Holmes, setting up a three-pointer for Danny Huffor. Huffor was on target again from distance to help Rocks to a 22-15 first quarter lead.
Former Wolves’ favourite Tommy Freeman assisted Davis to begin the second period scoring, and opened his own account a few moments later.
After four minutes had elapsed, the advantage had accelerated to 34-17.
Robert Thurman was the only Worcester man to tally more than a single basket before the break, but even his threat was subdued once he picked up his third foul when bustling into Freeman.
Thurman was indeed forced off the court when whistled for his fourth offence shortly into the second half.
There was success of a sort for Wolves when the third quarter concluded with their hosts having moved just a point further ahead at 64-44.
However, Rocks’ dominance returned in the final ten minutes. Their homegrown reserve guard pairing of Dale Grieve and Johnny Bunyan got in on the act as they both connected from beyond the arc.
The latter even slotted home a rare three foul shots, awarded after he was impeded by Holmes. By contrast, Wolves could muster just a couple of successes from the field across the entire quarter.
James acknowledged that there is work to be done before Wolves’ next outing, at the University of Worcester Arena, this Friday, versus Sheffield Sharks, adding:
“Today was a bad day at the office. A few guys are not playing at the top of their games right now. There is a lot for us all to consider before we face Sheffield.”
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Post by Solly on Aug 6, 2020 11:32:44 GMT
And here was my programme piece for the Sheffield game, with a Clint Eastwood slant on those latest three road trips.
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The Good, the Bad and the Ugly. Before today we had been away from home for three weeks, taking in a trio of matches that reflected each of those elements.
Our road trip began in Chester. Before Christmas we were out of contention against Phoenix once we had conceded a huge 35 points in the first quarter alone.
In our latest encounter we were 56-55 ahead by midway through the third quarter, but then failed to score again from the field until four minutes to go.
Too late to resuscitate. A 75-89 reversal by the end. The Bad.
In week two we trekked to Durham. A potential banana skin.
No problem. PJ tells me the game-plan was executed brilliantly. We closed down their outside threats and went to work on the inside. A tidy 66-58 triumph. The Good.
Last Sunday was leg three of our journey, the longest trip, to Glasgow. Last November saw an agonising OT defeat for us up there.
After showing such dogged defense versus Durham I had thought a W here would be a given.
Fat chance, as we consistently failed to defend the three-pointers, struggled on offense and sank to an embarrassing 60-89 defeat. The Ugly.
Over the three matches, here’s the individual pithy –
Chavis Holmes – Not at usual high standard
Alex Owumi – Top-scored vs Rocks
Paul Guede – Plugged away
Jamal Williams – In and out
Robert Thurman – Monster in Durham
Dejan Radojevic – Limited impact
Kalil Irving – Limited minutes
Disraeli Lufadeju – Ditto
Caylin Raftopoulos – Ditto
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Post by Solly on Aug 7, 2020 9:55:35 GMT
And here's my report of the hosting of Sheffield. Back on track again, but for how long?
Zach Gachette was like a sulky teenager...
----------------------- Friday 27 February 2015
Worcester Wolves 87-65 Sheffield Sharks
Worcester Wolves provided the perfect response to last week’s disappointing defeat at Glasgow, by thumping Sheffield Sharks 87-65 on Friday to edge back into second place in the British Basketball League, behind leaders Newcastle Eagles.
Coach Paul James voiced his pleasure at the turnaround, saying:
“We embarrassed ourselves last weekend: we didn’t play, we didn’t perform.
“We came back and training was really focused. We put in a few more offenses and they worked well this evening.
“We came together tonight as a team, moved the ball better and spread the points around. Anytime we do that, the results follow. I’m delighted.”
Sharks’ John Barber and Zach Gachette took the evening’s first five points, but from there the Wolves moved into gear, with Jamal Williams directing the traffic.
After tallying five points of his own, Williams spotted Robert Thurman alone under the hoop, bulleting a pass for the centre to jam home. A moment later Dejan Radojevic was the man in the right place to receive another Williams assist.
As the second period began an irrepressible Williams now gifted Kalil Irving an easy conversion to move Wolves 23-16 ahead.
At four minutes remaining in the first half the Worcester lead had built steadily to 35-26, with Sheffield frustration growing.
Gachette bustled into Wolves’ captain Alex Owumi and subsequently allowed the ball to roll away into the empty part of the court. Petulantly ignoring the referee’s request to retrieve it, Gachette was whistled for a technical foul, in addition to his penalty for the initial offence.
Sharks would fail to score again from the field before the interval. In the meantime Wolves stepped on the gas with a double of three-pointers from Chavis Holmes, close-to-the-basket successes for Thurman and, fittingly, a triple for instigator Williams.
A highly-satisfying 48-29 margin was taken into the locker rooms.
Sheffield could do little to pull back the deficit, still trailing 64-44 entering the final quarter. Ineffective on the inside, they would experience similar difficulties from the outside as enthusiastic Wolves’ defenders swarmed around them.
Reserve guard Caylin Raftopolous bloomed in his increased minutes, joining in the presentation of gifts for Thurman and sinking a long-distance shot of his own as the victory was sealed.
By game’s end a spread of minutes across the squad saw Thurman and Holmes accumulate 22 points apiece, and Williams tally 16. Thurman also grabbed a huge 20 rebounds.
Paul James applauded his players, enthusing:
“Our fast start was very important. Holding Sharks to just 29 points in the first half was a phenomenal effort. It was just a matter of managing the game after that.
“We made them miss a lot of shots, and Robert hoovered up the rebounds. We got the win as a collective.”
After three weeks on the road, Wolves were welcomed back to the University of Worcester Arena by a near-capacity crowd, with tip-off delayed by ten minutes as more fans crammed inside.
The club will return to the same venue for matches on consecutive Fridays, versus Plymouth, and then Durham. James praised the spectators’ support, adding:
“There was a great crowd out there tonight. They really got behind us, especially considering last week’s disappointment.
“Their support gave us just the boost we needed, and we will look to repay them again in our next two games.”
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Post by Solly on Aug 9, 2020 10:45:56 GMT
And here was the prog article (for the Plymouth game) reflecting on the W over Sheffield.
Mike Cook was certainly nowhere near his first-time-round form.
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My programme article last week mentioned the spaghetti western, ‘The Good, the Bad and the Ugly’. This related to our three-match road trip where we returned just a single win and lost the other two, one of them in particularly ugly fashion, by 20+ points in Glasgow.
Last Friday we faced Sheffield. No film title this time, but how about a song such as ‘Alright Now’, as we demolished Sharks by 20+.
In addition to the game itself, it was so pleasing to see a near-full house on hand to witness our fine display. PJ was at pains to mention afterwards how much of a boost the crowd’s support gave the team.
Anyway, it all started a tad slow as we dropped behind 0-5. But then Jamal takes charge, with multiple dishes to anyone he spots beneath the basket, as well as notching a couple of scores of his own.
By HT it was virtually done and dusted as we had roared ahead 48-29.
Player and Coach technicals and some argy-bargy from former League MVP Mike Cook all showed that Sheffield were losing it.
No Entry signs were planted on the path to our basket, while the Thurminator had no such problems muscling his way to the Sharks’ hoop.
87-65. Nice one.
Chavis Holmes – 22pts, including a rare double of three-pointers. Back on song.
Alex Owumi – Slippery customer
Paul Guede – Silky
Jamal Williams – 16pts. Workhorse
Robert Thurman – 22pts, 20 rebounds. Unstoppable
Dejan Radojevic – Inked the scoresheet
Kalil Irving – Contributed
Caylin Raftopoulos – Useful minutes
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Post by Solly on Aug 9, 2020 10:51:37 GMT
And Wolves dodged another banana skin that evening vs Plymo.
Hampton was quite a player in those days.
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Friday 06 March 2015
Worcester Wolves 86-85 Plymouth Raiders
Worcester Wolves had to survive last-second drama on Friday to edge past Plymouth Raiders 86-85 and maintain second place in the British Basketball League.
Wolves came into the evening on the back of a comprehensive defeat of Sheffield Sharks the week before, but found themselves embroiled in a much tighter contest this time around.
In front 85-80 with 28 seconds to go ought to have been sufficient, but baskets for Raiders’ Jordan Clarke and Brent Benson pulled their side back to 86-85 with just five seconds remaining.
Even then Worcester had possession and should have seen out the clock. However, Jamal Williams was penalised for pushing off against Pierre Hampton, gifting the ball back.
From the inbound a melee of players scrambled on the floor, harrying Hampton into hurling up a desperate shot that just fell short.
Wolves’ coach Paul James exhaled at the final buzzer to say:
“It shouldn’t have been that close at the end. We had a comfortable cushion with less than half-a-minute left, but somehow contrived to almost give away the win.
“Plymouth are a potential banana skin for any opponent, so I’m certainly relieved we managed to hold on.”
The fast-starting Hampton got five of his game-high 27 points in the first two plays, before Wolves caught up with replies from Williams and from Robert Thurman.
Newly-arrived guard Robertas Bitinas dazzled onlookers with a confident solo dribble and lay-up to leave the scores at 21-19 approaching the end of the first quarter.
The match remained tight at 48-45 with under a minute until half-time.
Captain Alex Owumi incurred a technical foul for questioning an official’s decision, leading Raiders to notch the half’s last six points.
A different Worcester side emerged from the locker rooms, with unanswered triples for Owumi and for Paul Guede lighting up the scoreboard.
A 23-11 burst saw Wolves move ahead at 68-65 entering the last ten minutes.
With Thurman and Williams asserting their dominance around both baskets, and Guede stroking home more outside successes, the sides drew apart until they were dramatically brought back together for the night’s thrilling finale.
Thurman registered a double-double of statistics with 22 points and ten rebounds, as did Williams, with 15 points and 16 rebounds.
Chavis Holmes and Guede bolstered the scoring with 16 and 15 points respectively.
Bitinas impressed on his debut, leading James to comment:
“Point guard is the hardest position to pick up in a hurry. You have to learn the plays and learn where players like to receive the ball.
“Robertas is a quick learner and is only going to get better over time. He did well tonight.”
Wolves will look to complete a hat-trick of wins at the University of Worcester Arena when they host Durham Wildcats next Friday.
“Durham will be a great opportunity for us to cement where we are in the table,” added James.
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Post by Solly on Aug 9, 2020 10:55:32 GMT
Oh yes, nearly forgot to mention that I will shortly be ensconced in my favourite armchair, feet up on a pouffe, viewing the first of three consecutive RL matches.
Salford feature first - I much enjoyed cheering them on last season to upset much fancied Wigan in the playoff semi-finals. Salford Reds are Rising...
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Post by Solly on Aug 10, 2020 16:10:39 GMT
And here was my prog article for the Durham game, reflecting on that last-gasp thriller vs Plymouth.
BTW, Salford Reds certainly did the business yesterday, thrashing the pants off a much-fancied Hull side. This was Hull's first game since their final match prior to lockdown when their owner Adam Pearson amazed Sky viewers by announcing in his post-match interview that he had just sacked the coach.
Didn't seem to have helped matters - Pearson was shown (again) fuming after the Salford hammering - how long will he tolerate the caretaker-coach 
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Today is the last instalment of our three-in-a-row homestand.
A fortnight ago we walloped Sheffield in fine style and tonight I expect to see more of the same versus Durham, especially given that they are missing three of their number through suspensions.
Having said that, perhaps I shouldn’t be counting my metaphoric chickens after how close we came to losing last week against Plymouth.
Talk about snatching defeat from the jaws of victory. Up 85-80 with less than half-a-minute to go should have been game over. But consecutive Raiders’ baskets still left a slight worry with just five ticks left on the clock.
At 86-85 and with us having possession, that worry should have remained purely slight, but, oh no, Jamal takes the inbound and pushes off against his defender. The refs call an offensive foul and suddenly the worry is magnified bigtime as Plymouth have the ball and a chance to go ahead.
The ball comes in, there are bodies all over the floor and a held ball is called with 1.8 seconds left.
Plymouth still keep the ball by virtue of which way the possession arrow is now pointing. Fittingly, the night’s highest-scorer Pierre Hampton has last shot, but it is one taken under severe pressure and falls short. Phew.
Chavis Holmes – 16pts, 8 assists. Inspiring
Alex Owumi – 11pts. Did OK
Paul Guede – 15pts. Tidy
Jamal Williams – 15pts, 16 rebounds. Could have marred a top display at the death
Robert Thurman – 22pts, 10 rebounds. Solid
Robertas Bitinas – impressive debut
Kalil Irving – Limited minutes
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Post by Solly on Aug 11, 2020 13:01:06 GMT
And here's what happened that night vs Durham - another straightforward W.
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Friday 13 March 2015
Worcester Wolves 89-73 Durham Wildcats
Worcester Wolves cruised past Durham Wildcats on Friday to keep their hold on second place in the British Basketball League as the season’s climax approaches.
A barrage of three-pointers bought a commanding nineteen-point lead for the hosts by half-time, before a fightback from an understrength Durham kept the 89-73 final score-line respectable.
Captain Alex Owumi floated home a double of outside successes within a minute of the tip-off. Recent recruit Robertas Bitinas did likewise to build a 12-4 lead after three minutes had elapsed.
Centre Robert Thurman took to the air from as far back as the free-throw line to jam the ball through the hoop with authority, and it looked as if a Friday the Thirteenth horror show was on the cards.
Bitinas displayed unerring confidence to slot in two more three-pointers before the first quarter had ended. A 29-20 advantage increased when Dejan Radojevic opened his scoring account.
As Bitinas took a breather, Caylin Raftopoulos took his turn in the spotlight to rattle in a couple of triples, while Owumi also continued to torment the Wildcat defenders and delight a large University Arena crowd.
At 55-36 entering the locker rooms, there looked to be little way back for Durham.
The Wolves’ advantage maximised at 66-43 once Owumi had nailed his sixth shot from outside the arc, before the Wildcats’ resistance finally stiffened.
British guard David Buchberger took the last six points of the third quarter to return the deficit to 74-55.
Further baskets for Buchberger and for his backcourt partner Chris Jones kept the Durham side of the scoreboard ticking, while Worcester’s offence stalled.
A paltry four points from the Wolves in the initial seven minutes of the final period put the evening at 78-64.
With the match decided, both teams loosened up to allow a burst of scoring as the clock wound down.
Owumi led the way with 25 points, followed by 18 points for Bitinas. Thurman grabbed his by now-traditional double-double of numbers, with 11 points and 10 rebounds.
Buchberger top-scored for Durham with 25 points.
Coach Paul James confirmed that the game went as planned, saying:
“With Durham short-handed, we knew they would sit in a zone all night to avoid players fouling out. We practiced for that this week, and it paid off with the way we shot the ball so well.”
It will be a fortnight before Worcester are next in action with a trip to Leeds Force on Friday 27 March. Asked if he foresaw the BBL newcomers as a potential banana skin, James replied:
“Only if we don’t show up. We now have a couple of weeks for players to rest up, get over one or two niggling injuries, and to ready us for the final push to the playoffs.”
Following the matchup with Leeds, Wolves will return to the University of Worcester Arena on Good Friday for a showdown meeting with league leaders the Newcastle Eagles. Newcastle have lost just two games in the league this campaign, both times to the Wolves.
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Post by Solly on Aug 13, 2020 9:17:59 GMT
And another straightforward W at Leeds.
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Friday 27 March 2015
Leeds Force 54-84 Worcester Wolves
Worcester Wolves blasted to a convincing 84-54 victory at British Basketball League newcomers Leeds Force on Friday.
Once Wolves had blown away the early cobwebs following a fortnight’s inactivity, they produced a blistering 26-5 second quarter run to accelerate away from their hosts.
On a night of balanced minutes for the Worcester roster, four players reached double-digit scoring with Jamal Williams and Robertas Bitinas leading the way, hitting 20 and 14 points respectively.
Williams was the standout as the match began, notching eight points until a couple of fouls led to him taking a seat.
British guard Dwayne Camille floated home a three-pointer to put Leeds 19-13 ahead, before Bitinas did likewise to close out the opening quarter.
Chavis Holmes registered his first points to further close the deficit, before a Paul Guede basket and a bonus free throw nudged Wolves 23-22 ahead at six minutes until the interval. It was from here that the night’s victors were decided.
Captain Alex Owumi, Guede and the returning Williams all sunk triples without any reply from the Force.
Their coach Matt Newby tried to slow the onslaught with a time out but, straight from the re-start, Bitinas again connected from outside the arc.
A demoralized Leeds side wandered into the half-time locker rooms staring up at Worcester’s commanding 42-24 lead.
Now playing without any inhibition, Wolves toyed with their opponents. Holmes found Kalil Irving alone under the hoop, allowing the forward to jam the ball home.
Towards the end of the third period, Holmes again spotted Irving unmarked, leading the big man to produce a delightful wraparound lay-in, widening the advantage to 61-34.
The final quarter saw full minutes for reserves Caylin Raftopoulos and Dejan Radojevic, with both men inking the score-sheet.
Holmes prompted excitement on the visitors’ bench when rounding out the evening with a double of long-range successes.
Coach Paul James expressed his satisfaction with the result, saying:
“From the second quarter onwards we did a formidable job. We got six or seven stops in a row, while scoring steadily at the other end.
“From there we never looked back. We played with a lot of confidence at both ends of the floor.”
Centre Robert Thurman was out of the line-up through injury. James gave more information, adding:
“Robert rolled his ankle in training this week. He’ll be getting an MRI scan on Wednesday and we’ll monitor things after that.”
Wolves are quickly back into action this Sunday at London Lions (tip off 4pm).
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