WORCESTER Wolves have secured fourth place in England Basketball League Division One.

Saturday's 94-74 home victory against Solent Stars, coupled with Manchester Magic's 67-61 defeat at London United yesterday was enough to see off the threat of Worthing Thunder.

Wolves now host Worthing, who will finish fifth, in the play-off quarter-finals on Saturday, April 2.

Director of basketball Mick Donovan said: "We did not play particularly well but it is very satisfying to be in the position we had planned for at the start of the season.

"It is now all about playing to our full potential."

Wolves started well offensively with Ty Shaw penetrating the Stars defence in the opening minutes. The American scored six points in the first two minutes.

Josh Cooprider and Matt Collins added three-pointers to give Wolves an encouraging 31-22 point at the end of the first quarter.

The second quarter saw the introduction of Rick Solvason and he opened his account with a three-pointer.

Cooprider followed this with two long range three-pointers of his own, but Worcester were looking far from impressive at the defensive end of the court.

Solent gained confidence from the Wolves lapse and Larry Parker punished the defence to reverse the scoreline and send Solent into a 50-48 half-time lead.

Coach Jimmy Smith changed the line-up at the start of the second-half and there was immediate reward as Colin Chiverton notched 10 points in the third quarter.

Rikki Prince and Shaw injected some much- needed energy to Wolves' defensive play, while Collins and Cooprider helped put the hosts 66-59 ahead going into the final quarter.

Worcester then played their most effective basketball at both ends. Shaw was re-introduced and responded with a further 10 points and Collins controlled the game.

Solent opted to foul Wolves players in a bid to slow down the clock but Worcester scored 15 free throws from 17 as a result.

Tickets for Wolves' play-off quarter-final match with Worthing will be available on the door.

Wolves Seconds recorded a 80-70 win in their final league game against Bristol Bombers. Colin Rhooms scored 34 points.