Christmas weekend in the British Basketball League may have only witnessed three games, but they resulted in much-needed wins for Worcester Wolves, Plymouth Raiders and Leeds Force.
Worcester’s title charge may have faltered in recent weeks, partly a result of their injury-hit roster – but they were able to end 2015 on a high after defeating London Lions, 79-75.
In a close game, the Lions looked to have gone ahead for good when a Demond Watt basket with two-and-a-half minutes remaining put them up, 73-66 – but the Wolves hit back with a 13-2 run to snatch victory.
It gave them their first victory over the Lions since November 2014, a run of five straight defeats in all competitions.
“It was a great win for us,” said Wolves’ coach Paul James.
“Not because it was the Lions, but because we were short-handed and having to play a different way to make up for the injuries we have.
“We controlled the last two and half minutes really well, got the shot we wanted and the stops we needed at the right time.”
He added, “Orlan Jackman made a huge three and after bringing Jay Cousinard back on, he also made a huge three.
“Javier Mugica was the outstanding player of the game with the work he did for his 20 points and 17 rebounds.”
Watt was the leading scorer for London with a double-double of 22 points and 22 rebounds, while former Wolves player Alex Owumi had 19 on his return to Worcester.
Plymouth Raiders overcame a slow start to record their fifth win of the season, 102-96 over Surrey Scorchers.
The visiting Scorchers took the opening period 26-21, but from the second quarter onwards, the home side began to take control, taking a lead they would not relinquish.
Behind 25 points and 14 rebounds from Christian Behrens the Scorchers were able to pull within two points in the final minute, but the Raiders were able to hold on.
“It was a great one to win for us, we really earned that victory and huge credit to the boys for getting over the line,” said Raiders’ Josh Wilcher, who finished with a fine double-double of 16 points and 15 assists.
Raiders’ player-coach Daryl Corletto led the team with 27 points, while there was an impressive 25 points on his debut for recent signing, Cory Dixon.
“Cory was great; he has constant effort on both ends and really is a spark for us,” added Wilcher.
“He will be a fan favourite in no time and will prove to be a very exciting player in the BBL.”
The Raiders remain two points out of the Play-Off spots after Leeds Force earned their first win since early November to move into joint seventh with Cheshire Phoenix.
The Force won 91-76 at Manchester Giants, in the first meeting of the season between these two sides.
After the teams tied the opening quarter, the Force broke open the game in the second with a 12-3 run to take a 33-24 lead.
Leeds kept their noses in front the rest of the way, increasing the lead to over twenty points at one stage.
Kwan Waller led the way with 26 points for the Yorkshire side, while 16 points apiece from Stefan Gill and Callum Jones paced the Giants.
