WORCESTER Wolves seconds saw off City of Bristol Storm 90-68 to make it two wins in a row in the National League.
Wolves trotted out three new faces in the form of Rory Petrie, Richard Milbourne and Jon McCririe, the latter returning from a long injury lay-off.
Worcester signalled their intent by moving into an early 10-2 lead. The visitors called for time, re-grouped and went on to tie the score as their defensive intensity picked up.
Thanks to seven straight points by Carl Robertson, a see-saw first period ended 21-20 to Wolves.
The second quarter remained close, although a buzzer-beater with one second remaining by first-year degree student Ben McGee gave Wolves a 41-40 half-time advantage.
Wolves returned to a zone press to begin the third and immediately went on a 15-0 run to blow the game open.
Robertson added to his first-half total with a string of jump shots as the Worcester lead ballooned to 18.
Robertson, in his first year on the team, showed his range with two more long jump shots, finishing with 19 for the game.
The fourth quarter provided an opportunity for the hosts to show their depth and former under 18 MVP Charlie Higgs looked at home with some strong defensive rebounding to protect the lead.
The Storm cut into the advantage over the final three minutes due to some slack transition defence from Worcester, but Wolves were able to hold on to take the win.
Wolves player-coach Guy Evans said: “This was by far our best performance this season and I am excited about what the rest of the campaign could be like for our team.
“We had discussed in training the importance of everyone playing their role and we were able to do that to perfection.
“Our team culture and chemistry is really starting to gel, which tells me we are definitely heading in the right direction.”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here