WORCESTER Wolves could do nothing to slow down a free-scoring Plymouth Raiders side as they slumped to a 106-83 British Basketball League defeat in Devon.

Half-time arrears of 50-37 only worsened after the break with multiple turnovers and wayward shooting taking their toll.

Jordan Whelan came in from the bench in just the second minute of the match to supply a pass for Deshawn Freeman to convert and drive through a gap for a 6-2 lead.

But this would be as good as it got for Wolves against a side managed by their former head coach Paul James.

By three minutes remaining in the first quarter the teams were level at 12-12 and by the close of the period Plymouth were 22-18 to the good.

Raiders’ back-up centre Shawn Shelton had no difficulty in dancing to a trio of scores as the second quarter began, stretching the advantage to 31-18.

At the 12th attempt a Wolves three-pointer finally dropped through the net.

Despite the scarcity of long-range successes, a further seven first-half attempts would be taken with just one more finding the target.

Worcester’s difficulties were typified on their last pre-interval possession as Robert Crawford gave up the ball after bustling into his defender.

A quick seven points in redemption from Crawford gave brief hope for Wolves at 57-51 four minutes into the second half before Plymouth stepped back on the gas to roll to a dominant 80-60 lead entering the final quarter.

With Worcester’s turnover total once more edging higher and chances to put the ball through the hoop not being taken, Raiders were left to coast to an easy victory.

Freeman toiled throughout the afternoon for a 22-point and 10-rebound double-double performance.

Lester Prosper put forward 16 points with Whelan and Alex Navajas contributing 13 apiece.

Wolves face back-to-back action this weekend.

On Friday they welcome Bristol Flyers to the University of Worcester Arena (7.30pm).

The next day they travel to Midlands neighbours Leicester Riders (7.30pm).