WORCESTER Wolves produced a stirring come-from-behind 83-78 victory over much-fancied London Lions at the University of Worcester Arena.

The win has lifted Wolves into joint-second place in the British Basketball League, alongside Leicester Riders and just below leaders Newcastle Eagles.

Last year’s player-of-the-season Zaire Taylor returned to Worcester for the first time since his summer move to the nation’s capital, and led his side’s scoring with 19 points.

However, Taylor’s performance was matched by his point guard replacement Chavis Holmes who benefited from greater support at the big man position, with Robert Thurman powering to 23 points.

A double of baskets from forward Makal Stibbins moved Lions ahead at 17-5 after just three minutes had elapsed, prompting Paul James to call for a time-out.

Steadied by their coach’s words, Wolves gradually pulled back the deficit. The first quarter drew to a close on an impudent steal from Taylor by Disraeli Lufadeju, with the less-experienced player converting to draw matters back to 24-22.

Holmes was the only Worcester man to trouble the scoreboard for the first six minutes of the second period. London began to pull away, until a slew of fouls allowed Wolves success from the free-throw line, and half-time respectability at 44-38.

Five points from Stibbins helped Lions to once more draw clear at 51-42 by midway through the third quarter.

It was from there that a thrilling fight-back began. Holmes took charge from outside the perimeter, while Thurman patrolled on the inside, sharing nine points between them to level the match at 55-55.

Lufadeju floated home a confident triple to finally move the hosts into their first lead of the evening. The arena exploded when Jamal Williams also sank from the outside, closing the third period at 65-58.

By now Lions were hampered by a succession of players in foul trouble.

Stibbins left the court on a technical and Wolves maintained their advantage to roll on to victory.