WORCESTER Wolves’ dreams of lifting the BBL Cup for the first time were dashed as Cheshire Phoenix ran out 99-88 winners at the Arena Birmingham.

Just one point separated the two sides at half-time and Wolves drew level at 49-49 at the start of the second period.

But Cheshire proved too strong with Malcolm Riley leading his side to victory with a 26-point haul.

Michael Ojo top scored with 18 points for Wolves while Dallin Bachynski (16), Trayvon Palmer (15), Elvisi Dusha (15) and Alex Navajas (10) got double figures.

But it was not to be for Paul James’ men as they took home the runners-up prize.

Worcester arrived at the arena full of confidence having won 12 of their last 13 games in all competitions.

They had also beaten Cheshire twice this season, running out 91-78 winners in the league in October before knocking them out of the BBL Trophy with a 97-90 victory earlier this month.

And Wolves came out firing in the opening minutes with Palmer opening the scoring with a triple.

Navajas and Dusha also landed shots from distance while Bachynski chipped in with points from close range as Wolves quickly established a 13-5 advantage.

But Cheshire were not to be overawed as Raheem May-Thompson showed off his shooting skills and Alassan Touray made Bachynski pay for two missed free-throws to reduce the deficit.

A three from George Beamon edged Worcester in front at the end of the first 10-minute period.

But Cheshire were clawing their way back and went ahead for the first time in the match courtesy of a three-point jump shot from Tevin Falzon.

Giant centre CJ Gettys was also making his presence felt under the basket as Phoenix opened up a three-point gap.

Rob Gilchrist provided some resistance with a stunning alley-oop but Devan Bailey stole a loose pass from Bachynski to put Phoenix 35-29 ahead.

The momentum appeared to be shifting in Cheshire’s favour but Navajas led a response with a shot from distance.

Palmer then showed nerves of steal to convert two free-throws on the stroke of half-time to close the gap to 41-40.

Cheshire continued where they left off as Robert Sandoval got the first points of the second half.

But Dusha responded in fine style as he floated one home from distance before dodging his way to the basket to add two more points to his tally.

Brandon Parrish opened his account to level the scores at 49-49 but some brilliance from Sandoval and Riley saw Cheshire quickly open up an eight-point lead.

And Phoenix looked determined to hammer home their advantage.

Bailey struck from range and Gettys added two free throws to move their side 69-55 ahead.

After Ojo cut the deficit, his opposite number Sandoval,nipped in to give Cheshire a 73-62 lead going into the final quarter.

Wolves desperately searched for a response but Phoenix were defending well and Falzon was on hot form as he bagged back-to-back triples.

Ojo, Dusha and Palmer all fired home threes but Cheshire were holding firm and pounced on Worcester’s mistakes.

Orlan Jackman made a steal before scoring to leave his former club trailing 89-74.

Wolves rallied with fine scores from Ojo, Beamon and Bachynski in the final three minutes to put pressure on Cheshire but they held their nerve.