WORCESTER Wolves’ British Basketball League play-off dream was shattered in agonising fashion as they were edged out 154-151 over two legs by Surrey Heat.

Holding a slender three-point advantage from Saturday’s first leg at 81-78, Wolves lost 76-70 in yesterday’s return in Guildford as they fell at the quarter-final stage for the second year running.

The defeat was made even tougher to take for Wolves as they managed to open up a 12-point cushion at one point in Surrey, including a triple of three-pointers from Kai Williams, but were unable to hold on.

Heat overpowered them 29-13 in the final quarter and there was the added agony of Sherrad Prezzie-Blue hitting the rim with a three-point effort, which would have tied the game, with nine seconds remaining.

Deflated head coach Paul James said: “I am disappointed that we lost this tie. Surrey seemed like the perfect match-up for us but if you don’t look after the ball and hold on to big leads, this is what happens.”

Alex Owumi was Worcester’s top scorer with 18 points, followed by Prezzie-Blue with 14 and Stan Ocitti and Kai Williams each with 11. Sam Cricelli led the way for Surrey with 22.

Surrey Heat will be joined in the semi-finals by Leicester Riders after they defeated London Lions.

Elsewhere, Plymouth Raiders hold an 82-71 advantage over Glasgow Rocks, while Newcastle Eagles are 85-70 up on Sheffield Sharks.