WORCESTER Wolves hit back in the fourth quarter to end Worthing's English Basketball League Division One unbeaten record with an 81-74 victory.

Andrew Harper buried 22 points, Valdas Urbonavicius 20 and Ty Shaw 19 to bring Wolves back to winning ways following three straight away defeats.

Head coach Josh Cooprider said: "It was a big improvement on recent weeks. We clearly have things to work on before next week but this was a significant result against a team that will do well in our division this season."

Director of basketball Mick Donovan said: "We are still not playing as well as we can, yet the performance in the final quarter illustrated that we have a lot of character and ability within the side."

Worthing won the tip and scored the first points of the game but Worcester's reply came from Harper who drove in for two points.

The game remained close for the whole quarter with Worthing having the edge overall but Worcester never far behind.

The home side drew level in the sixth minute but the visitors pulled back a slender lead in the following few minutes as Ott scored strongly.

Worcester's last points before the buzzer came from Shaw after a Matt Collins feed to leave them 25-22 behind.

Collins was awarded two free throws in the early stages of the second quarter after being fouled while shooting and Worthing forward O'Harabe was given a technical foul after verbally abusing the officials.

Collins was given an additional two shots, sinking all four. These, in addition to a long three from Harper, allowed Worcester to take a 33-28 lead.

One minute short of half-time, Worthing drew level at 40-40 with continued pressure but Worcester kept up their pace to go in 44-41 ahead.

However, Worthing started the third quarter with a 10-0 run, leaving Worcester floundering in their wake.

It took a few minutes for Worcester to get back up to speed as the visitors held a convincing 60-52 lead.

In the latter stages of the quarter, Wolves gradually closed on Worthing's lead.

The score held for the last minute to close the penultimate quarter 62-57 to Worthing.

Wolves went into the final period of play with renewed determination and closed to 64-63.

Both teams defended particularly strongly but Worcester eventually pulled ahead 68-66 with five minutes left only to be drawn level.

Andy Harper's perfectly weighted three for Worcester gave them the momentum and they punished several unnecessary fouls to stretch their winning advantage.