Wolves 69 Sheffield Sharks 99

5:19pm Monday 7th April 2008

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HEAD coach Skouson Harker was critical of Worcester Wolves after their 99-69 home defeat to Sheffield Sharks.

The University of Worcester-based side failed to build on Friday's 79-75 win at Milton Keynes Lions which secured a play-off place.

Harker said: "It was a horrible performance whichever way you look at it.

"We know what we are capable of when we are focused and we have to make sure we bring that approach to the floor every time we play."

Director of basketball Mick Donovan said: "There was a great turn-out for the game and Worcester people really got behind the team.

"The only people who did not appear to turn up were the team. We have made the play-offs and now we have to be more consistent in order to progress."

Anthony Paez top-scored against Sheffield with 21 points followed by James Life (17) and Ivan Brosko (13).

Sharks recorded their fourth straight win, marking their best run of form of the season, and took the head-to-head series between the teams.

For Wolves, any hopes of a sixth-place finish have gone.

In the opening quarter, Life and Paez were once again the main threat for Wolves. But Sheffield found it easier to penetrate the Wolves defence as they went into an early lead.

The hosts soon led 4-0 before Sharks came back to lead 6-5 and posted a 6-0 burst soon afterwards.

Wolves fought back to tie the game at 13-13 and snatched back the lead with a Life three-pointer that made it 19-18.

However, the visitors finished the quarter stronger and took a 28-25 lead that they did not relinquish.

The second quarter proved to be barren for Wolves offensively as Sharks grew in confidence in front of their travelling fans.

The second-half offered little improvement for Wolves as a period of sloppy play at both ends of the court saw them slump to a disappointing defeat in front of their biggest crowd of the season.

Sharks held the free-scoring Wolves to their third lowest number of points in a league game this season and their lowest tally in two months after restricting them to nine points in the fourth quarter.