WORCESTER Wolves made it eight wins in 11 games by reaching the semi-finals of the British Basketball League Trophy.

The on-song Wolves delighted a big University of Worcester crowd against Sheffield Sharks with their most significant achievement since joining Britain's elite.

Slovakian import UIvqan Brosko made his debut after arriving in the country the evening before in the first five as player-coach Skouson Harker started from the bench.

Chuck Evans set the tone for Wolves, who are gaining a reputation for their free-flowing offence with a long three-pointer in the opening minute.

James Life nailed another three within seconds followed by a basket from Shaun Durant.

As Wolves raced into a three-point lead, Sharks were reeling and struggled to get through a Wolves defence that was showing considerable improvent from previous weeks.

Sharks did eventually break through but this sparked another response from the enigmatic Life and and point-guard Evans.

Durant again contributed with a spectacular slam and Wolves went into a first-quarter lead of 33-14.

While the offensive play was bringing the biggest cheers, the intensive team defence led by Durant was a major factor for the healthy lead.

Wolves' big man had an outstanding first-half as he physically dominated the Sheffield forwards.

The second quarter was a more even affair and the main scorer was Harker who created fine space close to the basket.

Again, Wolves held strong defensively and Life closed the half with another three-pointer, taking his personal tally to 25 points as the Wolves led 54-37.

The third quarter belonged to Sheffield and their vocal travelling fans could sense a comeback as they reduced the Wolves lead to only 10 points.

Evans was the main contributor at this stage for Wolves in terms of scoring and directing the play as he built his highest personal total this season of 22 points.

The teams went into the final quarter with a 74-64 scorline in favour of Wolves.

The first five minutes of the final spell saw Sheffield take the initiative and Wolves' dream of a semi-final spot appeared to be slipping away as the lead was reduced to three points.

Anthony Paez visibly took control of proceedings with two of the most spectacular slam-dunks of the season.

Brosko then added a key basket to give Wolves the advantage.

The Worcester crowd were up on their feet as the Sheffield assault had been subdued.

Life, who ended with 29 points, made the game safe when he converted one of his two foul shots to confirm a place in the semi-finals of one of basketball's major competitions.

Worcester will travel to Ponds Forge, Sheffield, on February 2. The club will make an announcement this week rega-rding tickets and travel.

Head coach Harker said: "People will acknowledge our exciting offensive play but, as a coach, the most pleasing aspect of the win was the improved defence that we have been working on.

"The arrival of Ulvqan certainly lifted the guys and they responded very positively. We still have things to work on but we continue to make progress on the floor."

Director of basketball Mick Donovan said: "It was a great night for the club and, although we switched off at one stage in the game, it was encouraging to see the team re-group and record a big win for the club.

"In recent weeks, we have beaten some of the biggest clubs in the sport and the coach has developed our own brand of attacking basketball.

"The most exciting thing about the current team is that they are capable of getting even better.

"It was one of the noisiest nights we have had and, once again, one of the main talking points for the players related to the fantastic home support.

"As one supporter said as they left the game, the home court really is becoming a Wolves' den."