LEADERS Worcester Wolves kept with the form book in a 92-80 victory against bottom side Oxford Hoops in National Basketball League Division One.
The Wolves returned home to the University of Worcester Arena for their first match in the city since early January.
American stalwart Earl Burgess showcased his offensive arsenal from the opening tip-off, slotting in a fade-away shot to set the scoreboard ticking.
Worcester chalked up an early 13-5 lead before Emmanuel Yeboah chipped in a swift trio of scores to aid a 26-21 first-quarter advantage for the hosts.
However, Oxford secured the initial seven points of the next period to overturn the deficit with Latvian veteran Oskars Berzins rounding off the run with a smooth triple.
Burgess and fellow big man Humberto Ferreira answered the call to steady the ship, both snatching three-point plays.
Isaiah Dapaah justified his introduction to the action by connecting from outside the perimeter to put Wolves 47-37 to the good at the half-time buzzer.
Wilfrid Santhe came to the fore after the break with multiple rushes to the basket as well as handing out a bagful of clever assists, widening the gap to 73-59 entering the final quarter.
Coach Dean Blake took advantage of the double-digit cushion to spread minutes across his squad.
Both Dapaah and Harry Godwin produced circus shots and Jesse Kilara impressed on thrusts to the hoop to seal the home win.
Burgess sped to a game-high 24 points, with Santhe recording a double-double display of 16 points alongside 10 assists.
Worcester’s final home game of the regular season takes place at the University of Worcester Arena on Sunday, March 1 with the tip-off at 3pm when Leicester Warriors visit the city.
