WORCESTER Wolves could not build on their promising start to the British Basketball League season when stumbling to a 78-64 defeat to Sheffield Sharks at the University of Worcester Arena last night.

A week ago, Wolves roared back from a big deficit to triumph against Cheshire Phoenix after overtime.

A double-figure margin also appeared in this match but head coach Paul James was upset his team were not able to mount a similar comeback.

James said: “Last week we were lucky to get back into things but last night we got what we deserved.

"We simply didn’t run anything, we’ve got all the plays but we didn’t execute them.

“We had players running all over the place but not to the right positions. We needed to do a much better job of focusing and getting the ball to the right people at the right time.”

A confident Trevor Setty three-pointer opened affairs with Alex Navajas and Danny Huffor both doing likewise to set up an early 15-12 lead.

Deondre McWhorter took to the court after five minutes for his home debut, rattling in a quick eight points in a 26-25 first-quarter edge for the hosts.

Bustling forward Jermel Kennedy twice connected and twice made bonus free throws as Sharks struggled to hold him back, maximising Wolves’ lead at 37-29 six minutes before half-time.

But then Worcester’s offense stagnated. Shaheed Davis ignited Sheffield’s response when swatting away an Andrew Bachman effort and proceeded to sink a quartet of pre-interval scores in a 17-4 surge.

Already trailing 46-41, matters worsened after the break.

Time and again Wolves’ passes went astray while Sharks’ confidence increased.

During the whole of the third quarter, Worcester could only muster a paltry two baskets from the field with their disadvantage widening to 64-53.

The final period saw more of the same. Unable to penetrate to the hoop and unable to connect from the outside, Wolves tumbled to an inevitable defeat.

It will be a fortnight, Friday, October 14, before Wolves are next in action when Glasgow Rocks visit the city.

James admitted there is plenty of work ahead, saying: “We have a lot to do. Last night was very disappointing.

"We have to take our punishment, learn from this and move on.”