WORCESTER Wolves followed up their demolition of lowly Worthing Thunder with a pulsating over-time victory at title-chasing Cheshire Jets in the British League.
Despite being 13 points adrift early in the second-half, Wolves showed tremendous resolve in fighting back to overcome their opponents.
A quiet opening saw play-off-chasing Worcester 20-18 behind at the end of the first period.
By half-time, Wolves were 41-34 down and struggling to control Jets’ classy American forward Quemont Greer.
A lack of offense for the first part of the third quarter saw Cheshire maximise their lead at 48-35.
But a three-point basket, followed by a quick steal and lay-up from Danny Gilbert, sparked a Wolves comeback and the teams entered the fourth quarter tied at 53-53.
Neither side were able to establish a decisive advantage and, with just over a minute left, Wolves coach Paul James called a time-out with his side trailing 76-72.
A few seconds later, Jets’ coach Paul Smith took a time-out as Wolves led 77-76.
Cheshire fouled Wolves forward Sam Cricelli on consecutive plays to stop the clock but he could only convert one of his four foul shots, leaving Wolves 78-76 ahead.
A desperate score from Jets guard Jeremy Bell sent the match into over-time.
Both sides saw key players foul out with Gilbert first to leave followed by Greer a few moments later.
With just a few seconds of over-time left, Worcester had possession but were losing 88-87.
Mike Creppy was unable to make his shot but the ball came back out to David Watts, who coolly slotted home a long-range basket for the deciding score.
A thrilled James said: “It has been a long time waiting for us to get a win against a top-four team.
“We should have nailed the game in regulation but took it in the end after over-time.”
Leading scorers for Wolves were Rod Middleton with 23 points and Creppy with 20.
Greer led the way for the hosts with 28.
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