WORCESTER Wolves were made to battle hard by Manchester Giants before finally taking victory at the University Arena.

Centre Robert Thurman emerged as the leading scorer with 27 points, successfully fending off Manchester’s big men but, at the guard position, the visitors’ Stefan Gill and Ingus Bankevics were able to help themselves to 23 points apiece.

It gave Worcester the head-to-head record over their rivals having now beaten them twice in their three meetings.

The Giants have beaten Wolves once this season but again they showed that they have the players to disrupt Worcester’s rhythm.

Scores from Gill and Bankevics moved Manchester into an early lead before Thurman set out his stall around both baskets.

Reserve guard Sean Park popped up with four points, helping his side to a 25-15 cushion by the close of the first quarter.

Wolves captain Alex Owumi had his pocket picked by former Worcester student Callum Jones as the second period commenced.

Jones converted again on Giants’ next possession and, as the quarter progressed, the hosts’ offense stalled.

Just six points were added in the last five minutes of the half, while their opponents tallied 15, slashing the deficit to 39-38.

Veteran Manchester centre Mike Bernard tipped his team ahead at the start of the second-half before Thurman lofted the ball over his counterpart’s arms to nudge Wolves back in front.

Gill sped by defenders to lay the ball in before Owumi floated home an imperious three-pointer as the advantage swung back and forth.

By midway through the final quarter, a heave from Bernard had levelled the contest at 67-67. Just when it looked as if the home side’s resolve could crumble, Owumi bounced to the fore with successive triples.

Jamal Williams joined the long-range shooting party and suddenly calm had been restored at 76-68.

Director of basketball Paul James was pleased to take the victory, saying: “Yes, it was a scrappy game, but we just did enough to take the win.

“Robert did a good job and Alex came up with some big buckets when we needed them.”

Thurman pulled down an impressive 14 rebounds to accompany his 27 points. Williams also contributed a double-double of statistics, with 10 points and 10 boards.

Owumi scored 26 points, including four three-pointers.