Worcester Wolves’ players, coaches and a bunch of travelling fans danced in celebration after the team was crowned winners of Pool A of National Basketball League Division One on Sunday.
Wolves took to the floor at St Helens Saints knowing that only a win would be good enough to clinch the club’s first honours in four years.
A hard-fought 81-69 success finalised a 17-5 win-loss record, matching runners-up Myerscough Academy, but head-to-head wins gave Worcester the edge.
Dean Blake, head coach of Worcester Wolves, said: "I’m just so proud of the players.
"We had to come from behind a few times today but it’s testament to the guys that we stuck together and got the win over the line.
"It’s been a long road to get here but all the effort, sacrifice, and commitment the guys have shown throughout the season have led to us coming out on top.
"There’s not one player here that we couldn’t have achieved this without."
The Wolves forced a turnover on St Helens' opening possession but struggled with early ball control, making for a scrappy first quarter.
Earl Burgess fought hard to convert offensive rebounds, while Georgios Stergiopoulos knocked down back-to-back three-pointers to give Worcester a 17-15 lead heading into the second period.
Jesse Kilara soon got on the scoresheet, capitalising on a Daijaun Antonio assist.
Humberto Ferreira added a three-pointer as the shot clock expired, helping the Wolves to a 38-31 advantage at the half.
St Helens quickly erased the lead after the break with accurate outside shooting, tying the game at 39-39.
A late scoring burst from Emmanuel Yeboah restored a 54-49 cushion heading into the final quarter.
St Helens closed to within one, but a series of technical and unsportsmanlike fouls derailed their comeback hopes.
A key late steal from Fin Rennie led to an alley-oop finish for Burgess, sealing the win.
Burgess finished with 18 points and 12 rebounds.
Yeboah and Ferreira each contributed 13 points, while captain Wilfrid Santhe Antonio added 10.
Antonio said: "It’s a great feeling to win the league. All the guys we have here this year, especially the first-year players, have made such a difference.
"I’ve been here five seasons and now want to end my time in Worcester on an even bigger high with the playoff title."
The Wolves now head into the post-season playoffs as a top seed.
Coach Blake said: "We’ve ended our season unbeaten at the University of Worcester Arena.
"Although we now wipe the slate clean to go into the post-season, we have the confidence of having made our venue a fortress.
"The University Arena is our house."
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