DREAMS of a fifth consecutive British Universities and Colleges Sport basketball title for the University of Worcester's men's team are over after they lost in the semi-finals.

Worcester were beaten 109-75 by Northumbria at the University of East London having previously defeated Brunel 86-82.

Coached by Wolves chief Paul James, Worcester's team featured British Basketball League giant Robert Thurman as well as Kalil Irving and Caylin Raftopoulos.

But they came up against a Northumbria side that included players from Newcastle Eagles, who are currently top of the BBL and have also won the BBL Cup.

Defeat brings to an end the university's dominance on the national stage, having won every tournament from 2011.

Meanwhile, James believes Wolves' victory over Durham Wildcats on Friday was achieved without his side hitting top form.

Worcester recorded their eighth home win in a row with an 89-73 triumph at the University Arena to stay second in the table.

Captain Alex Owumi and Robertas Bitinas sunk 13 three-pointers between them, while David Buchberger hit seven from outside the arc for under-strength Durham.

"It was a pretty comfortable result," James said. "I shared the minutes around so people like Kalil and Caylin got some valuable minutes and it was an opportunity to throw Robertas out there and let him play until he ran himself into the ground.

"We were definitely playing within ourselves and we had another gear to go to."

Guard Paul Guede missed the Wildcats match with an ankle injury but should be fit for when Wolves return to action at Leeds Force on Friday, March 27.

James explained: "He sprained his ankle last week in the game against Plymouth when Jamal Williams, of all people, fell on him.

"He could have played had we needed him but we were going so well there was no point putting him out there."