WORCESTER Wolves' hopes of winning the National Basketball League Division Two title took a dive when they lost 85-82 to their nearest rivals North West Lonsdon.

Both teams had suffered only one defeat and the victors from this game would take pole position in the championship run-in.

Wolves enjoyed some early pressure with Dave Jones shooting a three- pointer. Colin Chiverton and Josh Cooprider also found space against the home defence and successfully converted their opportunities.

Rick Solvason joined the game and scored two foul shots to give the Wolves a first quarter lead of 20-16.

The second quarter proved disastrous for the Wolves as the home team scored 17 points without a response.

Aguara was the main threat as the Wolves went 13 points behind. Chiverton and Ty Shaw offered some resistance but the London side had built a 40-32 lead at half time.

The second-half began with the Worcester side showing a more determined approach.

Ty Shaw made in-roads into the home defence and Solvason was then re-introduced to the game and hit three spectacular three-pointers within two minutes giving the Wolves a one-point lead.

The contest then got very physical and to the Wolves credit they competed well.

Going into the final minutes Cooprider scored a three-pointer to give the Wolves a 79-76 lead, but then Atah levelled the scores.

North West London then scored three baskets, Shaw and Solvason missed one free shot each and Wolves last hopes faded when Cooprider missed a three-point attempt.

The home crowd were ecstatic on the buzzer, sensing that this victory may well bring the league title to the capital.

Worcester coach Jimmy Smith said: "We were punished for a weak second quarter. We now must lift ourselves for the Patrons Cup Final at UCW next Saturday."