Worcester Wolves are the NBL1 Pool A champions!
Wolves celebrate winning Pool A of National Basketball League Division One
Worcester Wolves have been crowned winners of Pool A in the National Basketball League Division One following a decisive 81-69 win over St Helens Saints.
The match, held on Sunday, marked an important victory for the Wolves, who have earned their first honours in four years with a 17-5 win-loss record.
Their identical record with runners-up Myerscough Academy was settled by their victories in both meetings of the season.
Worcester Wolves coach Dean Blake expressed pride in the team’s performance, saying, “We had to come from behind a few times today but it’s testament to the guys that we stuck together and got the win over the line.”
In the opening quarter, the Wolves initially struggled with ball handling but found their rhythm as Earl Burgess and Georgios Stergiopoulos made crucial plays to gain a lead.
The match saw a tied score of 39-39 in the second half, but a scoring burst from Emmanuel Yeboah restored the Wolves’ advantage.
Worcester’s momentum was threatened by St Helens’ aggressive play, reducing their lead to just 59-58 in the final period.
However, Wolves extended their lead with plays from Yeboah and Fin Rennie, culminating in celebrations with a final score of 81-69.
Burgess capped his regular-season contributions with 18 points and 12 rebounds.
The Wolves now prepare to enter the post-season playoffs, with their opening match scheduled for Saturday 28th March at the University of Worcester Arena.
Their opponent will be either London Stars or Barking Abbey, contingent on the finishing positions of Pool B teams.
Dean Blake remains confident, noting, “We’ve ended our season unbeaten at the University of Worcester Arena. Although we now wipe the slate clean to go into the post-season, we have the confidence of having made our venue a fortress.”