AN ERROR-strewn performance saw Worcester Wolves slip to a 69-76 reversal against Glasgow Rocks at the University of Worcester Arena on Friday.
An unwelcome 18 Wolves turnovers ultimately tipped the outcome in Glasgow’s favour. When their livewire American guard Greg Pryor misfired on the second of two free throws the advantage stood at 74-69 with 21 seconds to play, still leaving Worcester a possibility of retrieving the deficit.
But, despite four defenders around him, Pryor was quickest to react and snatch the ball off the backboard to retain possession and snuff out any faint hope of a comeback.
Worcester struggled to find their rhythm as the game began. A Jordan Williams sky hook signalled his return from injury after six minutes had elapsed, but by then Rocks were already 11-5 to the good.
A burst of points from Cortez Edwards, including a put-back basket on the first quarter buzzer restricted Glasgow’s lead to 21-15.
By three minutes into the second period an Edward’s triple finally drew the teams together at 23-23.
Kofi Josephs found his range and centre Amir Williams settled into a pattern of close-to-the-hoop success to nudge the hosts 38-37 ahead by half-time.
Neither side was able to break decisively clear of the other in a back-and-forth third quarter. Josephs and Williams continued to connect but, with scant scoring support from elsewhere, only a 54-53 edge could be maintained.
Rocks’ Great Britain International pairing of Ali Fraser and Gareth Murray came to the fore in the second half. While Murray floated home three-pointers, Fraser gained similar success in frequently spinning around opponents to control the inside.
Spurned free throws, an accumulation of turnovers and allowing offensive rebounds at critical times denied Worcester the chance to pick up their second win from three British Basketball League outings.
Amir Williams posted double-double statistics with 20 points and 11 rebounds. Only Edwards and Josephs were also able to puncture double-digit scoring with 17 and 12 points respectively.
Wolves face a double-header of action next weekend.
On Friday (December 27) they host London Lions at the University of Worcester Arena before a trip north to face the Manchester Giants next Sunday (December 29).