WORCESTER Wolves ensured their former star Zaire Taylor’s return was an unhappy one after they came back to clinch an impressive win against the London Lions,
Wolves hit back from a poor start and recovered from heavy deficits of twelve and nine points to secure their third straight league win with an 83-78 victory.
Victory helped maintain Wolves’ impressive start to the BBL Championship having won five out of their first six league games.
They are currently four points behind leaders Newcastle Eagles with two games in hand.
Taylor, playing Wolves for the first time since his summer departure, top scored for his team with 19 points but it later proved to be for no avail.
But Wolves had to do it the hard way after a bad start left them with plenty to do as the Lions raced into a 17-5 lead inside just three minutes thanks to sharp shooting from Makal Stibbins.
Lions’ superb start led to Wolves’ director of basketball Paul James calling a time-out.
Steadied by his words Wolves reduced the deficit significantly and went into the second period just two points behind at 24-22.
Lions maintained their lead throughout the second period but success from the free-throw line kept Wolves in contention who trailed 44-38 at half-time.
Five points from Stibbins helped the Lions move nine points clear at 51-42 midway through the third quarter. But Wolves then hit back to claim a stunning win.
Chavis Holmes and Robert Thurman delivered baskets at a crucial time as Wolves got back level before triples from Disraeli Lufadeju and Jamal Williams gave Wolves the initiative – leading 65-58 going into the final period.
And Wolves were helped greatly in the final period when danger man Stibbins left the court after arguing with the officials before they closed out a big win.
Victory was just the tonic for James who had called on his side to improve after their BBL Cup loss to Bristol Flyers last week.
“I was concerned early on but we got back to our defensive duties got some stops and set the tone for our offence,” he said.
“We had a hard week in practice and players were told what was expected from them.”
Wolves return to action on Friday when they face Manchester Giants at the University of Worcester Arena (7.30pm).