WORCESTER Wolves endured the heartbreak of missing out on the National Final yesterday when they were beaten 98-79 at Reading Rockets.

But their weekend was far from a disappointment as, just 24 hours before making the journey to Berkshire, Wolves got back to winning ways in English Basketball League Division One with a superb 104-70 victory over Teesside Mohawks.

Director of Basketball Mick Donovan said: "It was a solid team performance that was underpinned with some great determination defensively. That is the approach we expect in every game from Wolves players."

Wolves' biggest winning league margin this season began well as they raced into an impressive 32-14 lead at the end of the first quarter after some three-pointers from skipper Josh Cooprider, who scored 29 points in the match.

The American was in inspired form yet it was the team's fiery defensive play that gave Mohawks their greatest concern as they could not break down the hosts' rearguard.

Cooprider continued to perform well and the introduction of Rick Solvason consolidated Wolves' initiative as he hit a hat-trick of three-pointers in five minutes. Ty Shaw dominated the rebound in defence and the fiery Onions was giving excellent support. Wolves led 55-34 at half-time.

Colin Chiverton and Prince made the greatest impact after the break as Worcester continued to impress, opening up a 20-point advantage.

Teesside reduced the deficit briefly but Wolves soon regained their momentum and once again Teesside struggled to respond as Worcester went into the final quarter with a 75-52 lead.

Wolves continued to impose their aggressive style of play in the final quarter, led by defensively Shaw and offensively by the inspirational Cooprider.

Wolves' National Cup dream ended at Reading.

Worcester started where they left off against Teesside with some excellent offensive play, Ty Shaw scoring 10 points in the opening spell.

However, Reading responded and led 29-26 at the end of the first quarter.

Prince and Chiverton scored consistently for the visitors in the second quarter but 11 points from Reading two minutes before the interval proved crucial as the opened up a slender 52-46 lead.

The remainder of the game saw Wolves' hopes of a final place fade as Wellings continually to hit three-pointers for the hosts.

Despite a spirited response from Shaw, the Rockets set up a showpiece final against Sheffield at the National Indoor Arena in January.

Donovan added: "We are very disappointed not to be going to the final, but on the positive side we have shown this weekend that we are back on track in the league with a promising performance against Teesside and the experience of Reading will help us as we grow as a club at this level."

n Wolves Seconds lost 59-56 to Wolverhampton.