Worcester Wolves pulled off a hair-raising victory over Teesside Lions by a solitary point.

Despite being down to just six players due to injuries, the team put in a spirited performance against their full-strength opponents, coming out victorious 70-69.

The Wolves now find themselves just one win away from the top half of the National Basketball League Division Two.

Coach Dean Blake said: "The guys worked really hard for the win.

"We had such a strong start, catching Teesside off guard.

"The guys maintained a strong level of focus throughout the full forty minutes.

"With a shortened roster, we were able to hang on to our lead and secure the victory."

The game began with two turnovers, but Jeremy Lievin set the tone by scoring on his own rebound.

Wilfrid Santhe drove to the hoop twice, and Jacob Dearman made consecutive three-pointers, giving Wolves a 12-9 lead.

By the end of the first quarter, Akil Simpson and Kamari Steadman had both added points from the free-throw line, pushing the Wolves' advantage to 22-17.

Teesside managed to edge in front by 29-28 midway through the second quarter, but James Davis scored, levelling the match at 34-34.

Wolves carried the momentum into half-time, leading 44-36, and after the break, Davis and Steadman increased the lead to 50-37.

Despite the Lions' attempts to come back, the Wolves maintained their lead, with Dearman scoring a crucial three-pointer to keep the Wolves in the game.

In the final minutes, Teesside closed the gap, bringing the score to 67-67, thanks to their American guard Brenden Patrick.

However, it was Dearman who broke the deadlock with a triple, and despite a final shot from Teesside, the Wolves held on for the win.

Santhe and Dearman both played the full 40 minutes, posting impressive statistics.

Santhe scored 22 points, made seven rebounds, and had nine assists, while Dearman contributed 15 points, six rebounds, and four assists.

Davis tallied 12 points and grabbed 12 rebounds, with Steadman adding nine points.

Lievin and Simpson contributed six points each.

The Wolves' victory moves them up the standings, now level with Teesside Lions, Myerscough Academy, Bristol Basketball United, and Cardiff Met Archers, all with eight points.

They will be hoping to continue their winning form when they return to the University of Worcester Arena on Saturday (January 18), to face third-place St Helens Saints.