WORCESTER Wolves second team crashed out of the National Cup following a 72-64 defeat at Bristol Academy Flyers.

James Stapleton scored 19 points, with Kalil Irving and Daniel Belgrave chipping in with 13 and 12 respectively, but it was not enough to prevent defeat against the English Basketball League Division One outfit.

Wolves, who ply their trade in Division Three, had led 32-26 at half-time and increased that advantage to 17 points before Bristol hit them with a 32-6 burst to forge 50-47 ahead going into the final quarter.

Despite having some players with British Basketball League experience, Wolves had no answer as the home team held on to run out winners by eight points and progress in the competition.

Manager Andrew Cahill said: “It was a real learning experience for both teams.

“The Flyers did not panic when they were trailing badly and managed to raise their shooting game and picked up the intensity when they needed to at both ends of the court.”

He added: “From our point of view we can be proud of our performance and will no doubt keep our composure better in close games in the future.”