Worcester Wolves’ head coach Paul James was pleased with his side’s start to the season as they went 1-1 on the opening weekend of the British Basketball League season.
A fourth quarter comeback inspired an eventual 88-85 overtime success against Cheshire Phoenix before Wolves pushed the defending champions, Leicester Riders close but ultimately lost 77-66 on the road.
“It was a very positive weekend for us,” James declared.
“We didn’t play particularly well on Friday night, we shot the ball badly, but all it took was one good quarter and to come back from 16 points down was pleasing.
“It was a really good performance against Leicester – we just didn’t execute down the stretch. We were really competitive and were in with a chance of winning.
“Being two from two would have been a bonus, but it was a tough weekend and we can be pleased with our start.”
The Riders had sent out a statement on opening night after dismantling Sheffield Sharks with a strong defensive display that paved the way for a big 85-54 triumph.
And the Leeds Force piled on the misery for their Yorkshire rivals with a 79-58 victory over the Sharks at home on Sunday with Jack Isenbarger shooting the lights out with eight 3-pointers on his way to 28 points in the win.
Colin O’Reilly’s Cheshire side also dropped to 0-2 on Sunday after falling to an 99-85 loss at home to Newcastle Eagles. Scott Martin netted 28 points to help the Eagles off to a winning start in the league.
Plymouth Raiders split their weekend double-header after recording a comfortable 87-63 victory at home to Surrey Scorchers to bounce back from an 85-80 loss at Bristol Flyers, on Saturday.
Hameed Ali top scored in the win for Andreas Kapoulas’ side with 22 points and Bristol were joined in a 1-0 start by London Lions, who pulled away in the second half for a 69-58 win against Surrey Scorchers, who ended the opening weekend with two defeats.
Glasgow Rocks also started with a big win as they defeated Manchester Giants 90-56 away from home, boosted by the inclusion of two GB internationals in Kieron Achara and Gareth Murray.
