WORCESTER Wolves' dream of reaching the England Basketball League Division One play-off final is over.
Wolves were despatched 92-65 in Saturday's second leg at City of Sheffield Arrows, giving the hosts a 172-157 aggregate victory.
Sheffield will face Reading Rockets in the National Indoor Arena final on Sunday, May 1, after Reading beat London United 183-171 over two legs.
Wolves director of basketball Mick Donovan said: "It was somewhat of an anti-climax to what has been an interesting season.
"We clearly did not perform but, as ever, we will learn from this and look forward. Sheffield were outstanding."
"We now have to go away and evaluate the season and plan for the future. Within the club we are determined to progress on and off the court. We will come back stronger next season."
The travelling Wolves fans gave the Worcester team a great reception when they appeared on court.
League champions Sheffield made a remarkable start by scoring three three-pointers and a two-point shot in the opening 80 seconds.
Wolves' lead had been cut to one point before they had taken an offensive shot themselves.
Cauthorn and Payne were offering the main threat for the hosts. Eventually, Rikki Prince responded with two fine drives to the basket.
Josh Cooprider then scored a three-pointer but severe damage had already been inflicted on a bewildered Wolves team and at the close of the first quarter, Sheffield led 32-17.
The second quarter saw a much better defensive display from Wolves as they tried to claw themselves back into the game.
Finding scoring opportunities was still a problem but Colin Chiverton, top scorer with 13 points, managed to score 10 points in the quarter yet 10 missed free throws by Worcester meant Sheffield maintained the initiative. A half-time scoreline of 48-31 to Arrows meant the Wolves still only trailed by five points overall.
The third quarter saw Ryan Patton find his shooting form as he hit a series of long range three points to extend the Arrows lead.
Prince and Ty Shaw responded briefly for Wolves but any dreams of a play-off final were fading quickly as Wolves trailed 76-49.
The final quarter was a routine affair with the Arrows retaining possession as time ticked away.
The game closed with Sheffield playing some excellent basketball and the out of form Wolves conceding defeat.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article