Worcester Wolves Enjoy A Big Night In Their New Home

Such was the demand for tickets, the game had to be delayed momentarily just to allow everyone to take their seats and Wolves’ coach Paul James believes the bumper attendance played a part in helping his side to victory.

“It felt fantastic, like we were playing some sort of cup or trophy final,” said James. “There was a full house and it was fantastic for the people of Worcester to come out and get behind the team, and it certainly contributed to our very good win.”

He continued, “The fact we were playing Leicester, that we matched them blow for blow and managed to execute a few plays down the stretch, it gave us a perfect ending to what was a great game.”

“There was very little between the two teams,” he added.

“I think down the stretch Zaire Taylor made a couple of big shots and Caylin Raftopoulos came off the bench and hit a big three as well.

“Both teams were playing some fantastic, hard-nosed defence and during the last three or four minutes we just managed to execute a little bit better than they did.”

Wolves’ Taylor, who led all scorers with 22 points, was playing against his former team for the first time since making the move from Leicester during the summer.

“[Taylor] didn’t realise he was the leading scorer!” revealed James.

“He was just really pleased as there was a bit of pressure on him after leaving a team that won three trophies last season.”

The Wolves are now just one of two teams yet to experience a defeat in this young season. The other being the Glasgow Rocks, who finally opened up their campaign with a win over Surrey United. Rocks’ Chez Marks led all scorers with 20 points, in the first ever game to be shown live on BBL TV.

One Health Sharks Sheffield ended the weekend in first place, but also managed to get in the records books for a very different reason. Having beaten Plymouth University Raiders 75-69 on Friday night, the Sharks were then beaten 60-40 by Leicester Riders on Saturday and the combined score of 100 points equalled a BBL record low, as defence reigned supreme.

Esh Group Eagles Newcastle lost their unbeaten record, and a chance to move into first place, when they suffered an 89-87 overtime defeat in Plymouth. Donald Robinson, who led the Raiders with 24 points, was the hero as his free-throws sent the game to the extra period and then his basket with 20 seconds remaining in overtime, gave Plymouth the lead for good.

London Lions also lost for the first time this season, as Mike Allison’s game-high 22 points gave Durham Wildcats an 83-73 win, their first of the season.

Finally, another team getting their first victory of the season were Cheshire Phoenix who defeated the still-winless Manchester Giants, 83-71, thanks in part to an impressive double-double of 15 points and 15 rebounds by Yannick Crowder.

Story – BBL

Photos – Ville VUORINEN