WORCESTER Wolves eased to a 91-76 win over Hackney White Heat at University College Worcester to maintain their stranglehold on the National Basketball League Division Two leadership.

The encounter was a dress rehearsal for the Patrons Cup Final on March 6 when the teams meet again at UCW.

Hackney arrived late and, following two early baskets from Josh Cooprider, one of the referees suffered a hamstring injury that resulted in a further ten minute delay as a replacement official had to be found.

The first quarter ended with Worcester taking a 30-25 lead, but the second saw Hackney explode from the three point line with six successful attempts.

In reply, Cooprider continued to shoot well for Worcester and as the first- half closed at 48-48 the London side seemed to sense an upset.

At the beginning of the second-half, Hackney maintained their assertive approach, but Ty Shaw and Colin Chiverton won key rebounds at both ends of the court to give the Worcester side a much needed lift.

Offensively Shaw and Rick Solvason started to dominate proceedings and Hackney struggled to cope with the Worcester shooters.

As the game drew to a close Worcester appeared to be more organised defensively and the Hackney threat faded in the final two minutes.

Fittingly, the outstanding Cooprider scored the final baskets for Worcester to secure an important league win.

Scorers: Cooprider 33, Chiverton 19, Shaw 14. Rebounds: Shaw 14, Jarrett 7, Chiverton 6.