WORCESTER Wolves lost 76-70 to Team Bath Romans in National Basketball League Division One.

They travelled south with a large following and a clear intention to play well with the play-offs only one week away.

Rick Solvason was left out of the starting five as Ben Livingston was re-introduced following a sound performance in training this week.

TomThornton opened the Wolves scoring with a three point effort yet Bath dominated the early stages with James scoring consistently from long range.

Solvason was introduced and res-ponded with two immediate baskets.

Josh Cooprider also got involved in the offensive play, yet at the end of the first quarter the Wolves trailed 26-15.

The second quarter saw a revitalised Wolves go at the Bath defence.

Cooprider scored three three point attempts within two minutes and Paul Gerald was outstanding at both ends of the courts scoring six points offensively and denying the Bath forwards defensively.

At half-time the Wolves had reduced the deficit to 10 points.

The second half opened with Colin Chiverton coming into the games with some excellent shooting and aggressive rebounding.

Paul Gerald continued to shine as the Wolves main threat, yet the sides exchanged baskets at a consistent rate.

The highlight for the Wolves was an outstanding drive to basket by Livingston that left the Romans defence bewildered.

The final quarter saw early baskets from Chiverton, Gerald and Rhooms as the Wolves reduced the Romans lead to four points. While Chiverton continued to make inroads and an away win seemed likely. The Romans held on to secure a home win that guaranteed their runners-up spot in the league.

Leading scorers: Cooprider 19 points, Chiverton 18 points.

The result means that the Wolves will travel back to Bath for the quarter- finals of the play-offs next week. A win for the Wolves would ensure a home semi-final tie on April 5.

Director of Operations Mick Donovan said: "We played well with several players returning to form at a critical time. It's all or nothing next week."

Any spectators who wish to travel to Bath can buy tickets on the door at Bath University Sports Centre. Tip-off 6.30pm.

Donovan said: "If as many fans as possible can travel to Bath it would make a huge difference to the team."