WORCESTER Wolves overcame the potential banana-skin of a visit to last season’s English League Division One winners Team Northumbria to move into the BBL Trophy last eight.

After allowing their hosts to reduce a 15-point interval lead to just 51-44 as the second half began, Wolves produced a stunning 13-0 run to re-assert their authority on the way to a comfortable 93-63 final outcome.

University of Worcester graduate Siman Stewart opened Northumbria’s scoring.

Wolves took aim from the outside to float in five three-pointers in a 26-22 first-quarter lead.

Robert Gilchrist notched three baskets in a row, Ashton Khan spun around beneath the hoop and Dallin Bachynski slammed home a dunk as the advantage widened to 49-34 by the interval.

Eight unanswered points from Northumbria guard Blayne Freckleton briefly appeared to threaten Worcester’s control.

But the visitors responded by turning up their defensive intensity to contain Northumbria to just four further points in the last seven minutes of the third quarter.

Already dominating at 71-48 as the final period began, Wolves once more placed a lid over their basket while dancing to multiple successes at the other end of the court.

Two George Beamon triples rounded out a decisive 88-50 scoreboard with six minutes left in the evening.

Gilchrist and Bachynski had their way on the inside, the former posting 18 points and 12 rebounds and the latter 14 and 11.

Beamon sunk 15 points with Khan and Brandon Parrish both tallying 13.

Head coach Paul James declared his satisfaction with the win, saying: “We gave Northumbria the respect they deserve for what they have achieved in their league.

"They came back at us once or twice but I always felt we could move up a gear whenever we had to.

“We had a chance to try out some different schemes and new plays so I’m really pleased we could do that and still come away with a good win.”

Wolves return to the University of Worcester Arena on Friday to greet Leeds Force in the BBL (7.30pm).

“The players will get some rest after a long trip and we’ll then make sure we do our homework ready for Leeds,” added James.