WORCESTER Wolves' superb five-game unbeaten run in English Basketball League Division One came to an end as leaders City of Sheffield Arrows edged home 78-77 at University College Worcester.

Despite the narrow loss in front of an entertained home crowd, Wolves remain in fourth place ahead of Manchester Magic.

Director of Basketball Mick Donovan said: "It was a great game to watch for a brilliant crowd. Our lapse in the third quarter was a significant part of the game. We now have to re-group and keep playing well in the exciting few weeks ahead."

Ty Shaw top-scored for Wolves with 20, while Josh Cooprider bagged 17 and Barry Lamble managed 14.

Worcester opened the fast-paced game with a series of two-points from Lamble, but Sheffield soon got into their stride and took a 15-12 lead after five minutes.

The visitors extended their lead to 22-15 following a torrent of long three-pointers by Ryan Patten, although Worcester were never far behind the Arrows as the first quarter ended 30-24.

Worcester continued to bite at the Arrows' heels in the second quarter, but for the early part never quite managed to get close enough to take the lead.

However, they closed to within two points of Sheffield and two free throws from Shaw brought them level 36-36. Sheffield responded, but three points followed by another two from Rikki Prince gave Worcester the lead, ending the quarter 43-41.

Worcester continued to find their way to the basket in the third, a strong offensive performance extending their lead to 61-54. In the latter few minutes, though, Sheffield closed the gap a little and the quarter ended 63-60 to the home side.

A tense final quarter saw plenty of twists and turns. After Lamble scored early with a two-point brace, Sheffield reduced the arrears and tied the game at 71-71.

A foul on Shaw gained Worcester a point from free throws and shortly afterwards, Cooprider sunk three. However, Sheffield retook the lead 76-75 and in the final stages, both sides notched two-point baskets giving Sheffield the edge 78-77.