Worcester Wolves beat Brighton Cougars 90-76 in the National League Division Three quarter-final ties.

Last week the Wolves beat Brighton in the final league match of the season by three points, but this time it was by a more comfortable margin.

The Wolves were without guard Danny Riordan but were otherwise at full strength.

Brighton started strongly and Sessay drove into the Wolves defence and proved too fast for Worcester's lethargic and at times static defence.

In response Colin Chiverton and Mick Vinsonneau played cleverly offensively in the early stages and as the first quarter drew to a close Brighton led 22-16.

The second quarter saw Ben Livingston take a leading role at both ends of the court.

The talented point guard disrupted the Brighton playmaker and also created shooting opportunities for the Wolves players.

Tony Ford was introduced into the action in the 12th minute and took some strong defensive rebounds while also controlling the rampant Cougars guard Sessary.

The half ended with the two teams locked closely together although the Wolves led 42-40.

The Worcester team spent most of the half-time interval in the changing rooms and while the coaches Rick Solvasson and Mick Donavan were happy with attacking play they were clearly frustrated with the Worcester side's first half defensive performance.

The second half saw a much more committed defensive display from the Wolves and the fit again Chiverton was proving too much for the Cougars defence.

The subdued Solvasson was happy to play a supporting role as he supplied opportunities for Ford, Vinsonneau and Chiver-ton.

Livingston continued to control the game and worked tirelessly to deny the Brighton shooters clear openings.

In the final quarter only 5 points separated the teams and despite the Wolves holding the lead Brighton continued to adopt their fast open game. Players clashed with five minutes remaining as the tension seemed to be getting to everyone. As in previous weeks the Worcester crowd stepped in during the closing minutes to lift the home side.

Ben Livingston shot from near the half way line to cap an excellent performance and Chiverton closed the game with some clever offensive play to give the Wolves the game and entry into the semi-finals in their first season.

Donovan said afterwards: "Once again we looked an exciting team going forward and there were some good individual performances offensively. We will work on our defensive approach."

Solvasson said: "We had to work hard to beat a good Brigh-ton side. We are looking forward to the semi-finals."

Scores: Colin Chiverton 31, Ben Livinston 15, Mick Vinsonneau 14, Tony Ford 14, Rick Solvasson, Lee Clark 3, Stuart France 4, Mark Brennan, Dwayne Ewart, Fergal McCrory.

n Worcester Wolves will now play their semi-final on Sunday at 4pm against Barking who beat Thames Valley 66-64.