WORCESTER Wolves' 12-match winning run came to an end at Essex & Herts Leopards.

The University of Worcester-based side lost 85-79 at Leopards who gained a psychological boost before the two sides meet in Saturday's National Cup semi-final.

Andrew Harper top scored with 23 points for Wolves at the Brentwood Centre but it was otherwise a below-par display, according to director of basketball Mick Donovan.

Wolves remain top of the England Basketball League Division One table but second-placed London United are still unbeaten and boast games in hand.

Donovan said: "We were more disappointed with the performance as we weren't kidding ourselves that we would go the whole season unbeaten.

"To lose by playing badly was a bit deflating. We have to go back there on Saturday and beat the team who have ended our run.

"They may have a psychological advantage now but we know that if we play near our best then we are more than capable of winning.

"Leopards played very physically and were very strong. We under-performed although Andy Harper was probably the exception with his 23 points. However, we're still top because we've played more league games."

Ty Shaw added 17 points and Valdas Urbonavicius 10 for Wolves who failed to follow up their 93-76 success over Solent Stars at home the previous day.

Wolves were further hampered during the game by four players - Harper, Urbonavicius, Matt Collins and Colin Chiverton - heading into half-time with three personal fouls after some controversial refereeing.

Two more fouls for any of the four would have resulted in a sending-off so Worcester were forced to rest their key men for long periods.

The team now start preparations for Saturday's semi-final with the prize for winning the one-off match being a final date at Birmingham's NIA on Sunday, December 4.