WORCESTER Wolves rounded off their fourth game in a week with a 91-74 victory over Manchester Giants at the University of Worcester Arena on Friday.
On the back of one win and two losses in the British Basketball League and BBL Trophy, Wolves started on the back foot against Manchester as former Worcester players Donatas Visockis and point guard Callum Jones made an early impact to set up an 11-5 lead.
Maurice Walker then hit back for the hosts as he repeatedly weaved his way to the basket, but Jones and Visockis combined for another ten first-quarter points to keep the advantage with Giants.
As the period came to a close, a hopelessly-misdirected inbound pass was seized upon by Manchester’s Sam Toluwase to leave Wolves trailing 28-22.
Things got worse for Worcester as Toluwase stepped up a gear for the visitors, sinking a trio of three-pointers as half-time approached.
But an equally impressive burst of action from Wolves’ Danny Huffor edged the hosts ahead at 43-42 going into the interval, after he dispossessed Toluwase in mid-court and slammed the ball home, before adding a series of drives to the hoop from distance to notch 11 personal points.
Jermel Kennedy got on the scoreboard after the break, before Huffor and Walker connected to help Wolves pull clear of their opponents.
Leading 65-56 entering the final quarter, Worcester made sure they claimed the two points after Alex Navajas and Ashton Khan entertained the packed home crowd with several swirling successes.
Huffor and Walker topped Wolves’ scorers on 23 points apiece, while Jones led the way for Manchester with 18 points.
Wolves head coach Paul James said: “The players looked very tired and heavy-legged, but despite that, I’m pleased we were able to do enough to get the win.
“Going forward, I’m expecting to see more big turnouts of our fans getting behind this great squad of players.”
Wolves face London Lions at the University of Worcester Arena on Friday at 7.30pm.