WORCESTER Wolves moved closer to a semi-final place in the National Basketball League's Patrons Cup by beating Liverpool 99-63.

The match brought two of the in-form teams in Division Two together for what on paper promised to be a close contest.

Josh Cooprider had other ideas, as the Worcester shooting guard carried on from the previous week by bombarding the visitors with three-point shots -- scoring four in the opening five minutes.

Colin Chiverton conceded two early fouls and was replaced by new signing Keith Jarrett who wasted no time making his presence felt by driving well to basket at every opportunity.

Rikki Prince came on and with his first touch scored a long range three-pointer. With Ty Shaw dominating rebounds at both ends the first quarter ended with Wolves leading 35-13.

The second quarter saw Liverpool consolidate their defensive play, but Shaw and Colin Rhooms continued to find inroads towards the basket.

Coach Jimmy Smith was happy to rotate players at this early stage, but unfortunately for Liverpool there was little to choose between Wolves' starting five and the replacements and at half time they led 60-33.

In the second half Smith continued to make changes and Wayne Robinson threatened from long distance and by driving to basket.

The game went into a quiet period going into the final quarter. Cooprider then drove down the court and threw the ball high into the air towards the basket and Jarrett leapt into the air to 'slam dunk' the ball --known as an 'alley hoop'. The crowd were brought to their feet as the backboard had to be re-adjusted following the force of the impact from Jarrett.

Director of basketball Mick Donovan said: "The opening five minute spell represented our best basketball of this season. The team are growing with every game."

Top scorers: Cooprider 20; Shaw 18; Jarrett 15. Top rebounds: Shaw 9; Rhooms 8; Jarrett 6.

Wolves return to league action on Saturday at home against Hull.