Head coach Paul James has improved the Wolves fortunes since his arrival

Worcester Wolves are out of the BBL Trophy after they were beaten 85-71 in their quarter-final tie at Milton Keynes Lions on Tuesday.

After the first quarter finished 20-20 the home side picked up the pace to open up a nine-point half-time lead.

The Wolves rallied in the third as Rod Middleton and Kastytis Normantas landed three-pointers to reduce the deficit.

But Harry Disy and Devin Smith were fouled out and the Lions went on to close out a comfortable victory.

Shooting guard Danny Gilbert top scored for the Wolves with 21 points from a mixture of long-range efforts and drives to the basket.

He was backed up well by Rod Middleton with 11 points while Yorrick Williams for the Lions led all scorers with 18 points.

Lions coach Vince Macaulay told BBC Three Counties Radio: "I've got enough veterans on the team - they pulled us through.

"Dru Spinks was out of this world. Danny Gilbert, the guy he was guarding is their danger-man - a really exceptional player. We knew we had to keep him quiet.

"The others couldn't beat us without him and that's what happened."

The Wolves will continue their punishing schedule this weekend with a double-header of BBL matches.

They are due to host Plymouth Raiders at the University of Worcester on Saturday 6 February, with tip-off at 1900 GMT.

Then they head to Everton Tigers the next day when the game is due to get underway at 1700 GMT.

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