BBL Game Report: Worcester Wolves 94 Cheshire Phoenix 90 (OT)
With the Wolves coming off a one point overtime victory in London the previous night, Friday saw them back in the arena to take on a Cheshire side who were coming of their first victory of the season.
In front of another large crowd, the Wolves fans saw their side stay undefeated thus far in the British Basketball League season, again once more in overtime.
Starting fives
Worcester: Creekmore, Djukic, Owumi, Taylor, J. Williams
Cheshire: Coleman, Crowder, Doumbe, Middleton, K. Williams
The return of Kai Williams to Worcester but in Cheshire colours, opened up the scoring before Stefan Djukic, Alex Owumi and the other Williams’ brother, Jamal, put Worcester ahead, 7-2.
The first quarter saw an extensive exchange of three-point shooting, with the home side taking a lead of 31-23. Phoenix regained control into the second quarter, making the game a close competition. Dominique Coleman made one of five of his six three-point attempts late in the period, but Wolves maintained a 4-point lead, 47-43, into the half.
Kai Williams started the third quarter how he started the first, making a vital play in scoring and attracting the foul of his brother, Jamal, heading to the free throw line and levelling the game 47-47. With Phoenix going on a 26-14 run, the Wolves had no reply but for Owumi and Creekmore to step up and score from within the arch.
Leading into the fourth quarter, Phoenix were up 69-61 and after a technical foul was called on Djukic after an altercation with Nix’s Shawn Myers. The visitors were now up 77-65 with six minutes remaining in the game. With time ticking away, Creekmore stepped up with both his short and long range game, along with Taylor taking control on the offence, forcing Phoenix to take a time-out. With a minute remaining, Wolves were down 81-77, and it was time for Paul James to take a breather for his side.
From the time-out, Taylor dominated the floor, sinking a long range three pointer forcing the home fans to their feet. Trailing 82-80, Taylor intercepted a Phoenix pass and sprinted for the lay-up, forcing the foul by Masse Doumbe. With his name chanted from amongst the Wolves’ support, Taylor scored both free-throws sending the game into over time.
With a remarkable input from both Creekmore and Taylor with the added 12 points, the Wolves won the game 94-90.
Paul James, Wolves head coach had this to say after the game: “Two nights and two overtime wins. We never stopped believing. We found a way to come back in the fourth quarter and after that there was only going to be one winner. I’m so proud of these players.”
Next game
Worcester Wolves at home to Manchester Giants (BBL Cup), Friday 18th October, 7:30pm tip-off, University of Worcester Arena.
Cheshire Phoenix at home to Leicester Riders, Sunday 13th October, 5:30pm tip-off, Northgate Arena.
