Worcester Wolves kicked off 2025 in style with an impressive 81-62 win over Bristol Basketball United.

Their victory at the University of Worcester Arena on Saturday marked Wolves' third of the season, placing them among the teams looking to break free from the lower end of National Basketball League Division Two.

After a closely contested first half, Worcester surged ahead with a decisive 21-9 third quarter.

Head coach Dean Blake said: "I’m really happy that we’ve started the New Year with a win.

"The second-half showed what this team is capable of and we’ll be looking to use today as a springboard to move up the table."

Wolves' 6'10" centre, Jeremy Lievin, outplayed Bristol's 7'4" Mike Lewis to score the first basket of the match.

Fin Rennie’s two three-pointers gave the hosts an 18-14 lead at the end of the first quarter.

Wolves maintained their momentum, with Dume Okibe's offensive rebound setting up another score for Rennie.

Lievin continued to show his defensive prowess by blocking a Bristol attack and adding to his own points tally.

By half-time, a slender 36-34 lead had been established.

However, Worcester's dominance truly emerged after the break.

James Davis repeatedly broke through the Bristol defence, even shrugging off an unsportsmanlike foul to score.

When Bristol conceded free throws and possession, Wilfrid Santhe took advantage, adding to the scoreline.

Entering the last period with a 57-43 lead, Wolves were in full control.

Davis continued his scoring efforts, providing an easy conversion for Lievin after reclaiming the ball from his marker.

Zac Moody wrapped up the game with consecutive three-pointers.

Davis finished with an 18-point, 12-rebound double-double performance, while Rennie added 14 points.

Lievin's ten rebounds, six points, and three blocked shots further proved his worth.

Blake said: "It was a really good team performance, everyone got on the floor and everyone contributed."

However, he did single out Davis and Lievin for their efforts, saying: “As I’ve said, today was about the whole team, but I have to say how pleased I am for James – he is a consistent hard-worker for us – and for Jeremy – he fought hard against the Bristol big guys and showed what he can do.”

Wolves will be looking to build on the win as they travel to the north east to face Teesside Lions on Saturday (January 11).