JUST 24 hours after a league defeat, Worcester Wolves returned to crush Nottingham Knights 109-79 and reach the National Basketball Cup semi-finals.

Wolves arrived back at UCW at 3am yesterday following a 112-83 English Basketball League Division One loss at Worthing Thunder.

But they were more than ready for one of the most important cup games in the club's history.

Coach Jimmy Smith said: "We were very disappointed on the trip home from Worthing. The Nottingham performance has definitely lifted the gloom and reflects more realistically the level we are at."

Captain Josh Cooprider, who sat out in favour of fellow American Ty Shaw, added: "We are getting better with each game and growing as a team and that is more important than individual glory."

Barry Lamble scored 11 points in the first quarter as Wolves took a 29-17 lead, aided by Rick Solvason's offensive skills.

The second quarter, which included Richard Onions, saw Shaw take control against the Division Two side and the point guard closed the half with a breathtaking drive and Wolves led 55-34.

The second-half was all about the contribution of Onions who scored 16 points. The Nottingham defence had no answer to the Wolves onslaught with Rikki Prince also playing well.

Led by Solvason, the Worcester team moved convincingly into the last four.

At Worthing, Wolves had little focus as Thunder raced into a 36-16 lead.

Shaw and Lamble made inroads into the strong Thunder defence but they still trailed 62-38 at half-time.

The third period featured a three-pointer from Onions but Wolves' best spell came in the final quarter as they scored 26 points in response to Worthing's 22. Significantly though it was too little too late.

Wolves Seconds beat Reading Rockets Seconds 86-74 to secure a place in the next round of the National Shield.