HEAD coach Paul James was proud of Wolves’ battling display in their 82-77 British Basketball League defeat to Glasgow Rocks in Scotland on Sunday.
Worcester showed fighting spirit in a match which saw just five senior players make the long journey north after high-scoring forward Andrew Bachman had to withdraw with a rib injury.
James said: “We had a game plan to play methodically, play carefully and stay close. We stuck to the plan and made Rocks work. We nearly succeeded.
“While we take no satisfaction from not getting the win, we have to be pleased with a determined battling display that was much better than some of our recent performances.”
Rocks started on the back foot as point guard Neil Watson missed consecutive three-pointers, which allowed Wolves playmaker Marek Klassen to connect from distance, before Trevor Setty rattled home a couple of triples.
An 18-12 first quarter lead was extended when Setty capped off a stunning burst of sharp-shooting with his fifth three-point success from five attempts.
In the final two minutes before half-time Wolves were in front at 39-30, but Glasgow hit a flurry of long-range shots to narrow the gap to just 41-39 going into the interval.
Three minutes into the second period, the hosts had achieved their first advantage at 49-48 on the back of eight quick points from Watson.
Glasgow then tightened their defence around Setty, but former Rocks player, Danny Huffor, stepped to the fore with a series of steals and assists to keep the visitors in touch.
A nip-and-tuck third quarter ended with Rocks just holding sway at 63-61 and with just four minutes remaining, Worcester were still in touch when Watson fouled Klassen on an outside shot.
Klassen was still able to make the shot and convert the bonus free throw for a rare four-point play.
However, Glasgow took the upper hand and held on for the win despite a spirited Wolves effort.
Huffor led Wolves’ scoring with 26 points and bolstered his statistics with an impressive 12 rebounds, five assists and four steals.
Wolves take on Manchester Giants at the University of Worcester Arena this Friday (tip off 7.30pm).