LAMARR Kimble's buzzer-beater helped secure a dramatic overtime win for Worcester Wolves as they overcame league leaders Leicester Riders at the University of Worcester Arena on Sunday.

It came just two days after Wolves had been beaten in similar fashion by the same opposition but this time it was the Wolves players celebrating a thrilling victory.

Worcester had established a 12-point cushion at 72-60 with six minutes left on the clock in the fourth quarter after Leicester’s star guard Geno Crandall was dismissed from the court after taking exception to a referee’s call.

When his coach Rob Paternostro protested further, Worcester sank technical foul shots to stretch out and take a commanding lead into the final minutes.

But the game was a long way from being decided as Crandall’s replacement, Connor Washington, hit a purple patch, sinking a quick-fire nine points to leave Wolves clinging to a 74-73 edge with just six seconds remaining.

Leicester's Daniel Nelson-Henry was impeded as he set up his shot, drawing a double of free throws but was only successful on his first attempt and as a result, the game went to overtime.

Lamarr Kimble drew first blood for Worcester in the overtime period but Washington was on the mark again for an 82-82 tie with only a couple of seconds left.

Newby called a time-out to decide the final play - captain Maarten Bouwknecht inbounded to the hot hand of Kimble who duly drained the game-winner, bringing elation to the hosts.

“The guys executed that last play perfectly,” applauded Newby.

“Lamarr came through the elevator doors, between their bigs, and made the shot.

“I’m delighted for the players. It was a victory that was coming after a couple of good performances but no wins in our last games against Plymouth and Leicester.

“We’ve had some games where we’ve folded at the end but today we didn’t. It was our result of the season so far.”

The match began in positive fashion for Wolves when Bouwknecht connected from the corner and Leicester were harried into a shot-clock violation.

Mike Parks and Jordan Williams combined for a tidy big-man duo in aiding a 24-20 advantage entering the second quarter.

Williams backed down his defender to widen the lead and it was another player of height, Daniel Johnson-Thompson, who banked in a half-time buzzer-beater to keep Worcester 36-33 to the good.

By midway through the third quarter it was Riders’ turn to lead at 47-45 before Brandon Anderson and Kimble both found their aim from distance to reverse matters and provide a 58-51 home cushion.

The last period of regulation time saw Micah Elan join the shooting party in the middle of a burst of Crandall scoring, ahead of his looming ejection and the subsequent pulsating close to the contest.

Anderson and Kimble top-scored with 21 and 17 points respectively. Parks and Williams both posted double-double performances, the former contributing 15 points and ten rebounds and the latter supplying 14 and 12.

“There were some great efforts across the board today,” said Newby.

“And I especially want to credit Daniel Johnson-Thompson for how hard he’s worked on his rehab and then giving us valuable minutes in the last couple of games.

"I need to thank the University of Worcester medical staff for doing such a good job with him.”

Wolves take to the court again this Wednesday 03 March against Sheffield Sharks at the University of Worcester Arena, the match tips off at 7pm and will be streamed live and for free on Worcester Wolves YouTube channel.