WORCESTER Wolves’ hopes of recapturing the BBL Trophy they secured in 2014 remain intact after surviving a gritty semi-final first-leg encounter at Newcastle Eagles with a 73-66 deficit.

Last month, Wolves put forward a full 40-minute performance to end Newcastle’s celebrated 28-match unbeaten run with a British Basketball League success.

Approaching half-time of last night's match, they had fallen into a 16-point deficit before being able to regain their composure.

With seven minutes of the evening remaining, Wolves hauled themselves back into the contest and even took the lead at 62-61.

Eagles regained the upper hand to close out a 73-66 win, leaving next week’s second leg still nicely-poised.

Javier Mugica stole the ball from Newcastle veteran Charles Smith, setting up an Orlan Jackman three-pointer to commence the match.

Mugica attempted four triples of his own before tasting any success.

In the meantime, Eagles methodically went about their business to accumulate a comfortable 27-13 first-quarter lead.

Perris Blackwell opened his scoring account as the second period began, thriving close to the basket for 10 more points by the interval.

By contrast, the outside woes continued as a further five Worcester attempts from outside the arc missed their target.

Trailing 45-36 entering the second half, Wolves increased the defensive intensity, limiting Newcastle to just a couple of baskets from the field over the whole third quarter.

Worcester’s triple count for this period reached seven but there were now a trio of those that hit home, aiding a 56-56 tied game.

Wolves’ inconsistency showed itself again over the final quarter with a flurry of rushed plays, while their hosts steadily built an advantage.

Blackwell led the way for Wolves with 15 points and 16 rebounds.

Smith top-scored for the Eagles with 18 points.

Worcester coach Paul James said: “Seven points is not irretrievable. While we let them take charge at the start and towards the end, I’m pleased that we fought back well in-between.”

Asked about his side’s whopping 30 three-point shot attempts, James replied, “The shots were there for the taking – they challenged us to make them.

"If they do that again at our place, I can tell you that it’ll be a different story with how many that go in.”

The return leg to decide who travels to Glasgow at the end of the month for the Trophy final will take place on Sunday, 14 February, (3pm).

“There was a sell-out crowd at Newcastle and that spurred Eagles on. If the good people of Worcester get behind us in a similar way next week, then we’ll provide something special in return,” added James.

Wolves head to Manchester Giants in the BBL tomorrow (6pm).