James bought in six new men to boost Wolves squad

Worcester Wolves returned to the British Basketball League in style with a crushing home win and a superb showing against the league leaders.

The Wolves had not played since November, after coach Chuck Evans and six players left the club.

The BBL suspended their fixtures, but they returned on Saturday to beat London Capital 91-69.

On Sunday they travelled to Sheffield Sharks and took the league leaders to extra time before losing 90-88.

The Wolves took a step towards new coach Paul James's ambition of a play-off place as their defeat of London Capital moved them up into 10th place.

Wolves took command from the opening tip in James's first game in charge as Danny Gilbert scored 24 points.

The key run was an 11-4 opening to the second stanza, after which the lead was never lower than double digits.

"It's early days," said James, "but we played well and got the first win under our belts.

"We executed well, but there's still work to do.

"Overall, I'm pleased and especially to see a good spread of points among the team."

The revamped Wolves then came agonisingly close to a shock win over league leaders, Sheffield Sharks.

The Sharks held onto a 90-88 overtime win thanks to two big plays from new signing Mike Tuck in the extra period, with a three-pointer from Mike Cook sending it into overtime.

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