WORCESTER Wolves will visit Leicester Riders in the British Basketball League Trophy quarter-finals after beginning the defence of their crown with a hard-fought 86-84 triumph at Durham Wildcats.

As in their one-point league victory at Bristol Flyers on Saturday, Wolves again relinquished a double-digit advantage before holding on at the death.

Captain Alex Owumi led the way with 22 points, closely followed by 20 from new signing Dejan Radojevic, to set up the last-eight clash against Leicester, who thrashed Leeds Force 81-51.

The match at Durham began brightly for the Wildcats when their 6ft 10ins centre John Puk grabbed the ball from the tip-off and duly converted, before going on to sink his side’s next three baskets. Wolves guards Paul Guede and Owumi were both on target from long-range to keep the scores close.

Radojevic entered the fray towards the close of the opening quarter to notch his first points in a Worcester vest, from foul shots awarded after a tussle with Puk.

At the start of the second period Radojevic tallied his first success from the field after hustling to a missed triple from Remi Dibo and by half-time matters were looking relatively comfortable for the visitors with a 42-32 lead.

Owumi maintained his accuracy from distance with a couple of conversions in the third quarter, but Wildcats forward Fran Urli did likewise to reduce the arrears to 64-59.

With Wolves’ first-choice centre Robert Thurman still troubled by an ankle injury, it was left to Radojevic to battle around the basket with his counterpart Puk.

In stark contrast to his scoreless debut performance against Bristol, the Serbian displayed the aggression expected of a near seven-footer.

A double of close-range scores either side of a smooth step-back three-pointer kept his team in front at 76-70 with four minutes to play.

Durham guard Chris Jones inspired his team-mates with five quick points and a steal from Owumi, gifting the ball for his backcourt partner Panos Mayindombe to convert and put the Wildcats ahead for the first time at 77-76.

As the final minute approached Radojevic bullied his way to a rebound, presenting Chavis Holmes with the opportunity to regain the advantage.

With just 14 seconds remaining, Urli connected with a triple to leave the outcome still poised at 83-82, before an exchange of free throws finally decided the victors.

Urli and Mayindombe top-scored for Durham with 18 points apiece.