WORCESTER Wolves pushed Glasgow Rocks close in an even British Basketball League encounter.

But Rocks, who used only seven players during the match, proved just too good at the University of Worcester for Wolves who are winless from four games.

However, either team could have won the match as the game was tied at 73-73 with just over five minutes to go.

Rocks had lost their best player Rob Yanders to an ankle injury and big forward Mike Copeland was benched after collecting 20 points but five personal fouls.

Yanders hobbled back into the last quarter but almost immediately his player-coach Sterling Davis also fouled out.

But the Rocks responded better at the vital stage and put together a 8-0 run which effectively sealed the match.

Wolves displayed tremendous fighting qualities and Evaldas Zabas sunk two huge three-pointers which took them to 86-81 with just a minute and 20 seconds to go.

But the Rocks held their nerve to win a thrilling contest.

Yanders was in his usual fine form and notched 24 points but even he was upstaged by BBL newcomer American Jesse Sapp.

Sapp, the highest points scorer for the Rocks in their previous games, amassed 28 points, 12 rebounds, six assists and five steals to lead all scorers.

Yanders and Sapp made eight maximums between them as their long-range shooting proved too good for the Wolves defence. Wolves started the match with Randy George back from a virus and he made a flying block under his own basket.

From the ensuing possession, Skouson Harker went down the other end to score the first of his 20 points for the city side.

Zabas scored 17 and Lithuanian compatriot Vidmantis Uzkuraitis 18 as the game was level at 40-40 at the half-time buzzer.

Wolves had managed just one successful free throw by that time.

Although they did make another 10 from the line in the second-half, they only achieved 52 per cent overall.

That is something coach Chuck Evans will need to look at as he prepares for Saturday’s cup game at the Essex Pirates.

He will also have to monitor the contributions of the two Americans, Chey Christie and Kenny Saunders, who, despite over an hour on the court, made only 13 points between them.

The Rocks started the third quarter with a 9-0 burst but again the home team battled back with Harry Disy to the fore and he led the Wolves fightback as the teams again levelled at 57-57.

Both teams swapped baskets and it was a thrilling show of high-class basketball which the 600 home fans enjoyed.

They played their part in trying to get the Wolves past the Rocks for their first win of the season.

Although the effort from Evans’ team was there for all to see, it was the high-class display from Sapp and Yanders that turned the match for the Rocks.