WORCESTER Wolves reached the semi-final of the National Basketball League Division Two play-offs after beating Northampton 112-97.

The game started with a three point attempt from Wolves' Rikki Prince.

Northampton responded with three successful three point shots.

Ty Shaw took the leading role offensively for Worcester by scoring eight points in the opening quarter. As the first period closed with Worcester leading 26-24 it was apparent that the home team were going to have to work very hard to overcome the spirited Northampton team.

The second quarter saw the introduction of Dave Jones for Worcester and the shooting guard made an immediate impact by converting three long range attempts. At the offensive end of the court, Northampton continually found gaps in a lethargic Wolves defence and the clinical shooting of Spatcher and Mclead proved to be a major threat.

When half time arrived the Wolves led 54-50.

When the teams returned to the court, Worcester took the initiative and following a quiet first half by his own standards Cooprider started to hit the target.

Keith Jarrett gave Wolves a big advantage as the Northampton defence could not combat his power play to the basket.

Wayne Robinson made a telling contribution at this stage with some creative passing and Shaw continued to collect excellent rebounds at the defensive end of the court. At the end of the third quarter Wolves had created some breathing space with a 77-69 lead.

Within three minutes of the final quarter Northampton had reduced the defeat to only four points with some excellent outside shooting. Wolves were playing much better defensively yet every time they scored Northampton responded.

Rick Solvason stepped up in the closing stages to score some crucial baskets. The Wolves captain scored 11 points in the final quarter and despite the response from Northampton, his side edged closer to victory.

Cooprider and Chiverton made significant contributions in the closing stages, yet once again the performance of Jarrett sealed the win that gives Wolves a home semi-final game against Westminster, who beat Liverpool 76-68, on April 17. North West London will play Hackney White Heart in the other semi-final.

Scorers: Jarrett 20, Chiverton 18, Shaw 17. Rebounding: Shaw 15, Chiverton 10, Jarrett 7, Prince 7.