Worcester Wolves have secured the top spot in National Basketball League Division One after overpowering Myerscough Academy, writes Colin Taylor.
The Wolves celebrated an impressive victory on Saturday, comfortably winning 85-63 against their title-contending rivals.
The clash began with the Wolves taking an early 22-12 lead in the first quarter, initiating the aggressive play that secured their win.
However, Myerscough closed the deficit to within a single point early in the second half.
Nonetheless, the Wolves responded powerfully, thumping their way to an overwhelming victory.
Their attack was spearheaded by Wilfrid Santhe, setting up team-mate Earl Burgess for the opening points of the game.
He repeated the feat a few minutes later - Burgess, this time dunking the ball through the hoop to assert the Wolves' dominance even further.
The Wolves' offensive prowess continued with Fin Rennie, who made his debut on the scoresheet during the second quarter with a remarkable three-point play.
Emmanuel Yeboah's solo drive at the half-time buzzer sent Worcester into the locker rooms with a 34-28 advantage.
The second half saw a burst of action from Myerscough's 7ft centre Zach Trezvant, who not only swung on the basket but also stepped outside for a three-pointer.
He then provided consecutive assists for his teammates, leaving the Wolves clinging to a 36-35 edge.
Daijaun Antonio and Harry Godwin connected from a distance while Burgess got down to heavy lifting to restore a 55-46 lead for the Wolves as they entered the final quarter.
In the final stages, Trezvant made the most of his height to just about keep Myerscough in contention, trailing 68-58 with six minutes left.
But the Wolves retaliated with a devastating 17-5 run that left no doubt about who was the superior team.
Yeboah and Santhe rattled home a series of three-point shots further deflated Myerscough’s morale.
Burgess, not typically known for his long-range capabilities, managed to score his own rare three-point attempt a split second before the shot-clock was about to expire.
With Myerscough’s spirit deflated, Yeboah was allowed ample time to calmly add another perimeter shot for good measure, setting the seal on the away win.
Burgess and Yeboah led the scoring with 29 and 20 points, respectively.
Wolves now take a fortnight break before their next game, a visit to the Teesside Lions on Saturday, January 31.
After that an extended four-game road schedule will see visits to Liverpool and Manchester Magic, before returning to the University of Worcester Arena to host Oxford Hoops on Saturday, February 21.
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