WORCESTER Wolves have given themselves every chance of reaching the England Basketball League Division One play-off final with a 92-80 first leg victory over City of Sheffield Arrows.

Barry Lamble and Ty Shaw top scored with 22 points to hand Wolves the advantage for Saturday's second leg at the Division One winners.

But they will be wary of Sheffield point guard Ryan Patton, who scored 38 of his side's total at a full University College Worcester.

Director of basketball Mick Donovan said: "It was a great performance. We now have to maintain that form next week and finish the job.

"Throughout the season, targets change. Our priority now is to take Worcester to the play-off finals at the National Indoor Arena. The passion and commitment generated by our crowd was matched by the players."

A nervous start saw both teams miss opportunities. Eventually, Wolves settled and Josh Cooprider scored a long- range three-pointer followed by a series of baskets from Shaw and Lamble.

Sheffield's Patton responded with a combination of drives and long-range efforts but Wolves had raced into a 30-12 lead at the end of the first quarter.

Colin Chiverton was introduced and made an immediate impact with some close-range shooting.

With half-time approaching, Rick Solvason added a three-pointer and the home crowd gave Wolves a standing ovation as they led 50-36 at the interval.

Patton took control in the third quarter and individually chipped away at Worcester's lead. With five minutes left, that lead had been reduced to 76-65 before Patton and Garnet Gayle put Sheffield within eight points.

Wolves then responded to a vociferous home support through Cooprider, Shaw and Chiverton. In a frantic closing minute, Wolves re-asserted themselves and closed with a Solvason three-pointer.