Sunday, February 19, 2006

WORCESTER Wolves showed their battling qualities to fend off a determined challenge from London United with an 96-86 win in overtime.

United arrived at the University of Worcester having wrapped up a convincing win against Solent Stars the day before.

The game started very slowly for Worcester and for much of the time the prospects looked bleak.

However, a massive effort in the final quarter and ensuing overtime period pushed them on to eventual victory.

London United won the tip and Van Elswyk opened the scoring for the visitors 25 seconds later with a lay-up for two points.

Worcester continued to put the shots up, but they seemed unable to quite find the basket.

At the end the first quarter, London led by a considerable 28-10 margin.

Worcester opened the second quarter with a fast passing move which led to a three-pointer from Matt Collins. Andy Harper followed this up with two of his own on the next offence.

Moments after being introduced into the game, Ben Potts made his mark with another three for Worcester.

A number of high-energy offences and steals, combined with good defence, allowed Worcester to close further, cutting London's lead to 47-42 by half time.

The hosts gradually closed in on London's lead, eventually drawing level 52-52 after three points from Collins five minutes into the second-half.

The last points of the quarter came from Rob Clarke with two, but Worcester were trailing 67-59.

In the early stages of the fourth quarter, Worcester again piled the pressure on London.

A number of successful unanswered baskets culminating in a three-pointer from Harper brought Worcester level.

With one minute remaining, Worcester trailed 79-77.

Colin Chiverton was fouled by Van Elswyk and sunk one of the two free throws. This left Worcester trailing by a single point with 17 seconds remaining.

London's Santa Ataha successfully scored two free throws but, with just 13.3 seconds remaining, an off-balance Harper sunk an incredible three pointer to send the game into overtime.

With two minutes remaining, the hosts led 88-84 and fouls from London worsened their situation as Collins and Harper gladly accepted the free throws that resulted.

Josh Cooprider called a timeout with 17.7 seconds of play remaining and the score at 94-86.

Harper sunk the last points of the game to give the Wolves a 10-point win of 96-86.