Wolves under-16 boys produced a major National Cup upset as they defeated Baltic Stars 56-55 to progress to the last 16 of the competition.
The London-based Lithuanians had already beaten Wolves by 53, had won the their six league games by an average of 31 points won by 114 in the previous round, but Adam Pearce’s team came up with a superb display to set up a home game against Trafford Magic.
A strong start saw Wolves lead 12-8 before they blew into a 34-18 lead at half-time as they played their best basketball of the season. Stars cut the lead back to 46-36 at the final break and the visitors continued their run to lead 55-52 going into the final two minutes.
But the visitors failed to control Patasiin, twice sending him to the foul line as he sunk all four free-throws to spark wild celebrations.
Patasiin had seven rebounds to go with his team-high 18 points, Ethan Downing added 15 points, four rebounds and as many steals while Daniel Kostadinov added eight points.
It completed a perfect weekend for the team as they travelled to London Greenhouse Pioneers on Saturday and collected a fourth league win of the campaign with a 69-54 victory.
Wolves started well to lead 22-16 and took 41-29 lead into the half-time break. That lead 57-44 at the final break but the visitors fought back to lead by four points with three minutes on the clock before wrapping things up with a 12-10 final frame.
Patasin again led the way with 26 points, eight rebounds and five steals, while Downing added 12 points, three boards, three assists and four steals. Kostadinov finished with 11 points and four rebounds.
Wolves under-14 girls also had a big win as they finished strongly against neighbours Luton to win 57-38.
Emerson Westerby’s team started well with a 17-9 first period, and edged the second quarter to lead 33-22 going into the locker room. The visitors chipped a point off that lead in the third period to trailed 42-32 at the final break but a strong fourth quarter saw the Wolves pull away to keep their title hopes alive.
Kaiya Batemen led Wolves with 24 points while Melia Lawal added 11.
The under-16 girls were left ruing letting Haringey Angels score the first 14 points of the game as they went down 59-46 in their top-of-the-table clash.
Wolves suffered from early foul trouble, although the visitors managed to miss eight straight free-throws, but the bench dragged Tor Freeman’s side back into the game as Tiff Tyon’s four points helped narrow the gap to 14-5 at the first break.
The visitors added a point to that lead to go into the half-time break leading 31-21 , but Caitlin Ryan’s triple took the deficit down to six midway through the third period and a pair of Jemima Uzoka baskets kept Wolves in touch as they trailed 43-26 at the final break.
Lily Harkness and Ryan both drained treys in the fourth period as Wolves stayed in touch but an 8-3 run down the stetch saw Angels take the advantage in the race for the league title.
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