Worcester Wolves had to pull out all the stops to extend their undefeated National Basketball League record to nine matches at title-rivals Team Wolverhampton on Sunday.
A back-and-forth encounter saw Wolverhampton 52-46 in front with six minutes remaining before Worcester drew a defensive line in the sand to deny their opponent’s attacks and, at the same time, found their feet at the opposite basket for an eventual 57-54 comeback victory.
Wilfrid Santhe ran to the hoop before kicking the ball back outside for an open Lucas McGregor to commence the afternoon’s scoring.
A 13-11 lead was overturned in the last few seconds of the first quarter by a Wolverhampton three-pointer. More points for the hosts and forcing a backcourt violation extended their advantage to 18-13 by early in the second period.
Austin Payne and Ian Vivero-Rodriguez both scored following steals to switch momentum back to the visitors and restrict Wolverhampton to a 30-29 half-time edge.
By the end of a typically-tight third quarter Wolves had nudged 46-45 ahead.
Already missing injured forward Matei Balteanu, Worcester’s big man resources were further diminished when Shaun Parren-Rackley hobbled off court.
Seven unanswered Wolverhampton points had a sizeable home crowd roaring and Blake requesting a time out.
The interruption in play had the required effect with a Vivero-Rodriguez spin the first action of a thrilling fightback.
A McGregor solo drive and more output from Vivero-Rodriguez put Wolves 54-52 in front with three minutes to go and a minute later McGregor banked the ball in off the backboard from distance.
Worcester were able to then survive a scrappy end to the contest with some solid last-ditch defending and secure the win.
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