WORCESTER Wolves slipped to a 99-92 defeat to Cheshire Phoenix last night, meaning they end their latest British Basketball League campaign in fourth place.

Wolves round off their regular-season with a trip to fifth-placed Glasgow Rocks tomorrow, swiftly followed next week by a two-legged encounter against that same side in the first round of the play-offs.

Buoyed by another capacity crowd at the University of Worcester Arena, Wolves raced into an early double-digit lead before faltering against a team inspired by a highly-impressive 38-point and 15-rebound performance from their do-it-all forward Danny Huffor.

Perris Blackwell toiled for his own double-double stat-line of 28 points and 11 rebounds, while point guard Jordan Aaron managed 23 points.

Aaron and Blackwell exchanged passes for the initial score of the evening.

A confident three-pointer was the first of five opening-quarter baskets from Aaron that built a healthy 23-13 lead with a minute remaining.

Two quick replies and a buzzer-beating score for Quincy Taylor reduced the arrears to 23-19.

By three minutes into the second period, seven points from Huffor had given his team the lead at 29-28.

Cheshire still held the advantage at 48-45 by half-time.

Aaron recovered his own miss and a prone Blackwell was able to pass the ball over his head for a Jay Couisnard triple to keep Worcester in the hunt at 61-58.

But Huffor maintained his form. A spell of nine personal points in two minutes left the visitors 75-70 in front entering the final quarter.

Blackwell continued to work tirelessly close to the hoop for a series of scores. However, this was Wolves’ only method of success.

Repeated shot attempts from outside the arc went badly astray for the hosts, while Phoenix continued to keep their side of the scoreboard ticking.

With four minutes to go, Cheshire’s lead had maximised at 88-77 with Wolves unable to find a way back into contention.

Coach Paul James was left disappointed, saying: “We began well. I made one or two substitutions and we seemed to lose our way. Our shots wouldn’t drop, while they made theirs.”

After tomorrow, Wolves will travel again to Glasgow next Friday. The deciding second leg of the play-off will take place at the University of Worcester Arena on Sunday, April 24 (4pm).

“We obviously wanted a better result on Friday, so now need to work on a few things for Sunday and then get ready for next week,“ added James.