James: We're sending out message to rest of league - The Worcester Observer

James: We're sending out message to rest of league

Worcester Editorial 5th Apr, 2017   0

WOLVES head coach Paul James insisted his side’s 88-72 victory against Glasgow Rocks at the Emirates Arena sent a message out to the rest of the British Basketball League.

Wolves’ tenth successive win has lifted them to fifth in the BBL standings, which James admits is down to the togetherness of the squad.

“It was a long trip to Glasgow and that possibly caused us to take a while to get into our rhythm, but we were outstanding in the second half, especially defensively. It was another excellent win,” said James.

“Everyone here is capable of a big night at any time. Players have stepped up and we’ve produced terrific performances. We’re sending a message out to the rest of the league about who we are.




“We have plenty of tough matches coming up, but it’s more about how we play than who we face. We’ll do our research, but it’s going to be more about how teams have to adjust to compete with us.

“It just shows how much fun we’re all having at the moment and is a demonstration of the togetherness we now have at the club.”


The visitors were explosive from the offset on Sunday (April 2) as Trevor Setty drilled two passes to wide-open teammates to convert, before sinking a three-pointer of his own.

Jermel Kennedy then floated home three baskets to give his side a 26-21 advantage at the close of the first quarter.

Danny Huffor came to the fore in the second period with a swift 11 points, before two points and a bonus free throw from Trey Zeigler meant Wolves entered the interval 42-39 ahead.

By the close of the third period the advantage had become a more comfortable 63-53, as the visitors tightened defensively. Marek Klassen then took the opportunity to spin around smaller defenders and put distance between the teams.

While a discouraged Rocks side continued to misfire, there was no stopping Worcester’s efficiency as their lead extended to 82-61 with just two minutes remaining, allowing for a comfortable end to the evening.

The win comes off the back of a resounding 126-97 victory over high-flying Newcastle Eagles at the University of Worcester Arena on Friday, which James hailed as the ‘most prolific performance’ in the club’s history.

Zeigler amassed a devastating 35 points, with Alex Navajas also achieving a season’s-best return of 29 points.

Klassen tallied 25 points and contributed an impressive 16 assists for his teammates.

Wolves take on Plymouth Raiders at the Plymouth Pavilions on Sunday (tip off 4pm).

Online Editions

Catch up on your local news by reading our e-editions on the Worcester Observer.

Buy Photos

Buy photos online from the Worcester Observer newspaper.

Subscribe

Receive a weekly update to your inbox by signing up to our weekly newsletter.

Printing

We can provide all of your printing needs at competitive rates.