Basketball
Wolves maul Tigers to close gap on leaders

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WORCESTER Wolves recorded their fourth consecutive win against the Mersey Tigers this season to close the gap at the top of the BBL Championship.

Just like the three previous battles between the two teams this season, Wolves came out comfortable winners last night (Friday) beating their Liverpool based opponents 82-61 to move just two points behind current BBL leaders Newcastle Eagles.

Despite missing the services of in-form forward Tommy Freeman due to a one-match suspension, Wolves still had too much for the Mersey Tigers as their poor season continued in front of their home supporters.

And Paul James' side started with a spring in their step with centre Richie Gordon showing his class netting Wolves first seven points in the first three minutes of the match.

Wolves continued to dominate despite Gordon having to sit on the bench after picking up two fouls. His replacement Alex Zimnickas showed his quality scoring eight points as his team led the opening quarter 25-11.

The Tigers got back into the contest in the second period as full court pressure rattled the Wolves defence and a late basket from Myles Hesson reduced the home side's deficit to 36-29 at half time.

Struggling Mersey again threatened a comeback and were just four points behind Wolves when a score from distance from David Aliu and a another basket from Hesson got them right back into the contest.

But the return of Gordon sparked Wolves back into action on the court and they managed to keep ticking over the scoreboard to lead 54-43 going into the final quarter.

Four points from Sherrad Prezzie-Blue at the start of the final period increased Wolves' big lead and meant for a comfortable final few minutes with the Tigers too far behind and little time to make a serious comeback. There was still time for reserve guard Eoghann Dover to post a three-point basket and get some valuable game experience with the first team.

Wolves will hope for even more success tonight (Saturday) when they entertain bottom-of-the-table Durham Wildcats at the University of Worcester (tip-off 7pm).