It was a high scoring start to this encounter with both teams finding their range early on as the lead traded hands on many occasions with several players claiming an early score count. The Wildcats held the lead for majority of the quarter and took a 4 point lead into the second period with the score at 24-20.
The positive start continued for the Wildcats as they created a 6 point gap midway through the quarter at 40-34. A great defensive display from Durham bolstered their lead up to 10 points with a minute remaining with the score showing 46-36. The lead was cut short to within 7 in the final seconds at 48-41 on the buzzer.
The Wolves found themselves trying to play catch up from behind the arc but could execute as Durham kept Worcester at arms-length with a 4 point deficit for a large quantity of the third and managed to hold the lead going into the final stanza with a 3 point lead at 66-63.
Worcester claimed the lead through an Ocitti 3 pointer creating a 2 point lead early in the fourth at 66-68. The Wolves took charge of the game with Kai Williams making a big impression opening a lead of 10 points at 66-76. The advantage was in the hands of the Wolves as they developed a 13 point lead as the Wildcats couldn’t end their drought with Worcester holding the lead with 3 remaining at 73-86.
Both sides were exchanging three’s in the closing minutes as Page and Baldarelli found their range closing the gap to within 5 of their visitors at 87-92. Kai Williams put the final nail in the coffin making 2 from the free throw line taking the win home as the score ended on the buzzer 91-98.
Despite the defeat, Head Coach Dave Elderkin was in high spirits but thought they could have claimed the win.
“It was a good performance but we need to change those good performances into wins.” He said, “We went close with Surrey and Worcester who are both top 4 sides and we could have won both games.
Not normally a coach would say this but when your team are shooting well from behind the arc you would like your team to shoot more three’s and I believe our team shot the three ball well today.”
M.V.P – Ralph Bucci; 22 points, 5 rebounds, 4 assists, captained his team by example but unfortunately couldn’t lead his team to victory.
Durham Wildcats – Ralph Bucci; 22 points, 5 rebounds; Brad Guinane; 18 points, 6 assists, Mike Baldarelli; 17 points, 6 rebounds.
Worcester Wolves – Alex Owuni; 22 points, 7 rebounds, Stanley Ocitti; 19 points, 9 rebounds, Arturas Masiulis; 17 points, 10 rebounds.
