Guildford Heat 75, Worcester Wolves 82 (From Worcester News)

Guildford Heat 75, Worcester Wolves 82

10:12am Thursday 27th October 2011 in Reports

WORCESTER Wolves made it three wins in a row as they stamped their authority over the Guildford Heat in the British Basketball League Trophy.

Although the University of Worcester-based side were unable to qualify for the semi-finals in the trophy, the victory kept their winning run on the road going against director of basketball Paul James’ former employers.

The success at Guildford meant that they finish level on points with Group Four leaders Plymouth Raiders, however, the Devon side progressed to the final four with a higher aggregate score in the head-to-head with the Wolves.

This win will boost morale at the Wolves ahead of their second game in four days against the Heat as they clash for the third time of the season on Saturday at the university in the BBL Cup.

Wolves opened the game in strong style, with eight early points from Tommy Freeman and consecutive dunks from Richie Gordon helping their side to a 22-12 lead by the end of the first quarter.

As the second period began Wolves’ coach Paul James kept his promise of taking the opportunity to experiment with his line-up, freely substituting his starters.

Guildford took advantage of their opponents’ changes to claw back into the game, going ahead at 32-30 midway through the period.

Following assured play from their veteran guard Julius Joseph, the Heat were able to further extend their lead to 47-40 by the half-time break.

In the second-half, the visitors once again started brightly as an 11-0 run saw them retake the lead at 51-47 when Gordon slammed down the third of his four dunks in the game.

Five points from Joseph once more put the Heat ahead, and the scores continued to see-saw.

Consecutive baskets for Callum Jones and David Watts were enough to take Wolves to a slender 63-60 lead heading into the last quarter.

As both sides continued to trade baskets, James called a time out at five minutes remaining, with his team ahead at 72-70.

By the last minute of the game it was the turn of the Heat coach Creon Raftopoulos to call a halt to proceedings with his side trailing 72-80.

A policy of quick fouls to slow the clock and send Wolves to the foul line ensued, reducing the deficit to 75-80 with only 31 seconds left in the game.

However Freeman was able to maintain his record of 100 per cent shooting from the line, calmly slotting home his ninth and tenth free throws as Wolves seal eat with 22 points.

Freeman led the scoring for the Wolves with 22 points. Gordon also impressed with a double-double of 20 points and 12 rebounds.