Worcester Wolves started their fourth campaign in the BBL Cup with a long road trip to Southend to take on the Essex Pirates.

They were looking for their first win of the season and travelled in high hopes having played very well against a strong Glasgow Rocks team last weekend and worked with considerable energy in training during the week.

The game started with both teams trading baskets and it was the Pirates who edged the first 10 minute session.

With the exception of Pablo Rodriguez from Spain, Essex have an all English squad but it was the Lithuanian pair Evaldas Zabas and Vidmantis Uzukrulatis. who were providing the impetus for the Wolves.

They both returned personal scores of 15 each and took turns playing out of position at point guard as coach Chuck Evans continues his search for a replacement for the departed Anthony Martin.

The Wolves found themselves in unchartered territory as the half-time buzzer went as for the first time this season they were leading at the interval by four points at 41-37.

The Pirates, in their first season in the top tier of British Basketball, were battling hard to make progress in the premier cup competition and took the third stanza as the Wolves wilted and only registered 14 points while their hosts notched 22.

As the last 10 minutes approached Evans needed a leader to step up to ensure his team won this tight contest and it was one of his American signings, Chey Christie who provided the catalyst as he made consecutive, decisive baskets to see his team home.

The Worcester side played their best basketball of the new season as they took firm control of the final quarter 23-12.

Christie was the undoubted man of the match for the Wolves as he registered 19 personal points and Evans was delighted.

“Chey has done well for us tonight especially down the stretch as the game was being decided,” Evans said.

“We still need to keep getting better if we are looking to make up ground on some of the teams in the league.

“However, it was good win for us because it keeps us alive in the Cup competition.”