WORCESTER Wolves confirmed they are one of the teams to beat by comfortably seeing off a British Basketball League title hopeful in Cheshire Phoenix.

Wolves had started the new campaign by overcoming reigning champions Newcastle Eagles on their own court.

They then gave their fans at a packed University of Worcester Arena a first chance to see what all the fuss has been about.

While Cheshire coach John Coffino has scoured his contacts to bring in American signings, British pairing Gareth Murray and David Aliu kept them in the match.

There were contributions across Wolves' team with centre Robert Thurman powering to a second consecutive double-double of points and rebounds.

Pouring in 22 points and grabbing 14 rebounds, Thurman was once more the player in the right place at the right time as his team-mates continually found him open.

Aliu began the scoring with a neat turnaround jumper and a few moments later Murray drilled the first of his five three-point successes.

Worcester showed they are also well stacked with outside threats when forward Jamal Williams and captain Alex Owumi nailed a trio of long-range scores, establishing a 23-13 first-quarter lead.

The advantage widened to 33-19 before a Phoenix fightback ensued.

Guard Brad Karp hit a quick eight points as the visitors tallied 13 without reply, nudging to 33-32 by midway through the second period.

Thurman rose high to block another Karp effort, finally signalling a halt to Cheshire’s burst of scoring.

He then positioned himself perfectly to jam home a well-timed lob from Williams.

Thurman dunked the ball through the hoop as the first-half expired and a handy 45-38 cushion was established.

The third quarter was notable for the emergence of another of Wolves coach Paul James’ big man summer signings.

Donatas Visockis prowled around Cheshire’s basket, making sure he was the first to respond to any errant shots, tipping in three consecutive misses.

Comfortably ahead at 66-52 entering the final period, Worcester gave no opportunity for a Phoenix comeback.

Frenchman Remi Dibo added five points to become his side’s second top-scorer with Owumi and fellow guard Chavis Holmes finishing on 12 and 11 respectively.

James said: “It was another great all-round performance. They came back at us in the second quarter but we got back to hard defence and took control again.

“It was fabulous to see so many fans in the stands again and I was pleased we could reward them with a victory.”