Worcester Wolves beat Plymouth Raiders in BBL Cup

Worcester Wolves made it four BBL Cup wins from five after they eventually emerged on the high side of a 104-100 offensive shootout against Plymouth Raiders on Friday.

While a big University of Worcester Arena crowd were entertained by Wolves’ high-powered scoring they also had to watch Plymouth turn over their own side of the scoreboard with similar ease.

Coach Matt Newby summarised the display, saying: “Offensively we’ve definitely got firepower but defensively we lacked a little bit and didn’t communicate well enough.

“We weren’t at our best but the guys dug it out by the end, showing character, discipline and resolve.”

Jordan Williams had his way in the early going, repeatedly backing down Raiders’ seven-foot centre Theo Turner on his way to fourteen first-quarter points.

Raheem May-Thompson rattled in a trio of three-pointers in little over a minute to aid a healthy 34-27 hosts’ advantage entering the second period.

Plymouth showcased their own inside-outside game as playmaker Josh Wilcher directed plays from the perimeter and big man Rashad Hassan hung tough close to the basket.

Julius Van Sauers accepted a clever assist under the hoop from Williams and a moment later the same players reversed roles to keep their side in front.

Home guard Kofi Josephs quickly bagged a dozen points to maintain a 60-58 half-time Worcester edge.

The offensive explosion dampened after the break, leaving Wolves 79-76 ahead at the end of three quarters.

Williams returned to his policy of exploiting mismatches and Josephs’ swift thrusts forwards continued. Raiders, however, were also able to score freely, resulting in a 95-95 tie with three minutes remaining.

Wilcher then connected from distance to take the lead. Plymouth still held sway at 100-98 before Josephs sank a triple to wrestle control back.

The visitors missed a late shot in reply and as the game-clock ebbed away could only watch as Josephs sealed the 104-100 slugfest from the free-throw line.

Newby praised the input of his guard, saying: “Kofi’s a great shooter but is also now getting to the basket more consistently through traffic. Some people have been critical of his game but he’s choosing to improve it on a daily basis and I’m so pleased for him.”

Josephs led the scoring with 29 points, followed by Williams on 25 and May-Thompson with 19. Wilcher and Hassan dominated Raiders’ output with 24 and 23 points respectively.

The sides quickly take to the floor again in Plymouth this Sunday, (October 20) at 3pm.

Newby was succinct in his assessment of what will need to happen in the return fixture: “We will need to add to our game in terms of half-court offense and have to tighten up ridiculously well on defence.”

Wolves’ next appearance at the University of Worcester Arena will be the visit of Bristol Flyers on Friday, November 1.

“The atmosphere in our arena has been fantastic,” added Newby. “As soon as we hear the fans’ voices the boys get a lift and we lock in. I’m really thankful for their support and for the love they’re showing to the players.”

Photo caption: Raheem May-Thompson. Photo JS Sports Photography.