COACH Paul James described Worcester Wolves’ display as “probably their worst of the season” as they sneaked a 71-70 win over Surrey United.

Wolves’ previous two matches at the University Arena also saw narrow triumphs but the opponents on those occasions were much higher-ranked teams than their latest visitors.

Surrey had only gained four league wins and suffered 16 losses.

The score was tight throughout the contest but a 71-67 lead with two free throws to follow at just 22 seconds remaining ought to have been enough to see Wolves through.

However, on a night when the hosts had already missed an eye-opening 11 foul shots, Paul Guede joined the long list of culprits by also squandering both late attempts.

After a three-point play from United guard Anthony Downing, Wolves still had possession of the ball.

But when it was subsequently fumbled out of bounds by Robert Thurman, young English guard Elvisi Dusha narrowly failed to connect with a late winner.

James expressed dismay at his side’s display and said: “I’m really disappointed with the level of our performance.

“Too many things were happening that shouldn’t have. I don’t know where the players’ heads were.

“Yes, it’s two points in the win column but that’s all it was. We got away with one.”

Wolves had the better of the early exchanges close to the basket with Thurman on target four times in the first quarter.

In the second quarter, captain Alex Owumi found his range, tallying 13 points.

Worryingly, none of their team-mates contributed significant points to the 36-36 half-time score.

After the break, the offence for everyone in a Wolves vest, save for point guard Chavis Holmes, dried up.

Meanwhile, Surrey’s recent signing Dominique Coleman came to the fore with a triple of baskets.

Dusha sank a three-pointer and Erick Forson pumped his fist in the air when doing likewise as the third quarter ended with Worcester trailing 58-57.

An injection of enthusiasm from Disraeli Lufadeju garnered him a steal and a long-range success, and his side a 63-59 cushion.

When the dangerous Coleman was forced off court having picked up his fifth foul with six minutes remaining, it looked as if the match could be closed out by Worcester.

But, with only Holmes still scoring, United were able to prevent Wolves capitalising so setting up the late drama.

Owumi and Holmes led the Worcester scoring with 20 and 19 points respectively.

Thurman was the only other double-digit scorer, notching 13 points to accompany his 13 rebounds.