A dominant first-half display from Worcester Wolves saw them overcome Birmingham Mets 85-53 at the University of Worcester Arena on Saturday.

The win, Wolves’ twelfth of the campaign, leaves them clear at the top of the Midlands Division of the National Basketball League.

With just three games of the regular season remaining, it puts Wolves in a strong position for a high seeding come the play-offs.

Worcester News: David Lauzzana notched 22 points as Wolves cruised to victory. Credit: Keith HuntDavid Lauzzana notched 22 points as Wolves cruised to victory. Credit: Keith Hunt

Tom Grayling got the party started, taking all six of the opening points as Wolves raced to a 23-4 lead going into the second quarter.

The hosts showed no signs of slowing down, David Lauzzana contributing a quick seven points as Wolves continued to run away with the game, going into the break 43-16 ahead.

Lucas McGregor impressed early in the third, assisting Matei Baltenau before driving along the base-line for a two-handed throw down.

However it was the visitors who controlled much of the period, a trio of Mets’ three-pointers in a two-minute spell brought the score to 47-25.

Worcester’s complacency was cautioned further still as Birmingham continued to close the gap, the score brought to 58-45 by the start of the fourth.

McGregor got Wolves back on track with consecutive triples before completing a length-of-the-court pass to Lauzzana to squash any hope Birmingham had of a comeback.

With 22 points, McGregor was the hosts top scorer followed by Lauzzna with 17.

Speaking after the game, coach Dean Blake said: “It’s great to get another win on the board but we have to be concerned about allowing Birmingham back into the game after half-time.

“Yes we won, but we need to aim for forty-minute performances.”

Wolves travel to Nottingham Hoods Sunday.