Worcester Wolves emerged victorious from a game of two halves against the Nottingham Hoods at the University of Worcester Arena on Saturday.

Wolves were held by their visitors to just a 39-38 half-time edge, but swept past them in the second half for a 91-58 success.

A back-and-forth start to the evening saw Hoods nudge 17-16 ahead entering a second period where Worcester’s Romanian forward Matei Balteanu made his mark.

Balteanu produced a series of inside spins that left his defenders flat-footed as well as setting a useful screen and pass off for Sergi Estany to debut on the scoresheet.

Austin Payne came up with a steal that set up an opening basket for David Lauzzana and helped Wolves regain an interval advantage.

Tom Grayling joined with Balteanu to form a defensive wall that Hoods were unable to break through, staying scoreless for more than five minutes.

Both men made hay at the other end of the court and the hosts began to pull away 57-45 by the end of the third.

A slick bounce pass from Lee was laid in by Payne and John Lenton-Jinks sunk a few three-pointers.

Santhe was unstoppable in the last minutes of the match with a coast-to-coast score and a stunning four successes from outside the arc as Wolves stamped their authority on the contest.