WORCESTER Wolves will finish third in the British Basketball League after a 77-67 dismissal of an understrength Leicester Riders at the University Arena.

With their runners-up spot in the table already sealed, Leicester coach Rob Paternostro made the decision to rest several of his usual starters ahead of next weekend’s play-offs.

In contrast, his opposite number Paul James, had no intention of tinkering with his line-up, preferring to stay with the players who had helped equal Wolves’ best-ever league placing.

In only his second game after returning from injury, centre Robert Thurman demonstrated that he will be an important factor in Wolves’ quest to repeat last year’s play-off success, garnering 20 points and 10 rebounds.

Lithuanian guard Robertas Bitinas was the home side’s next highest scorer with 15 points.

The first seven points all went the way of the Riders before Thurman got Worcester off the mark. With three minutes remaining of the opening period, Wolves still trailed 16-8.

However, a rapid-fire trio of baskets from Thurman helped level matters at 16-16 by the period’s close. A 27-20 cushion was built in the second quarter before Riders’ playmaker Conner Washington took his team’s next seven points to keep them in the contest.

The initial play of the second-half was a three-pointer for veteran Leicester man Yorick Williams. When his fellow forward Pavol Losonsky also connected, the contest was tied at 32-32.

From here, Wolves stepped on the gas. Chavis Holmes found Kalil Irving unmarked for an easy slam and Thurman spun around his much slower counterpart, Barry Lamble, to jam the ball home.

Entering the last quarter, the host’s lead had eased back out to 54-44 and, approaching the final minutes, a comfortable 66-58 advantage was still in force before a brief Leicester revival.

Consecutive three-pointers from Washington and Harrison Gamble brought matters to 66-65 with a couple of minutes to go.

Holmes floated up a pass for Thurman to put through the hoop with authority and Bitinas sank a triple, ending any chance of an unlikely Leicester victory.

Head coach James said: “It was another great atmosphere with our third big crowd in a row. It’s a special environment we’re creating now in Worcester for a brilliant Friday night out.”