BBL: Worcester Wolves open the new season with a win over Newcastle Eagles
Last Updated: 27/09/14 7:33am
The Worcester Wolves opened their BBL season with victory over the Newcastle Eagles, a repeat of the result in last season's play-off final.
Worcester beat the league champions 90-78 at Wembley in May to clinch the play-off title and though Friday's game was closer, they emerged victorious again by an 86-81 scoreline.
Robert Thurman had 27 points and 13 rebounds while Andrew Lasker was Newcastle's top scorer despite not starting the game, contributing 16 points.
While Worcester finished third in last season's table, the Sheffield Sharks were Newcastle's nearest challengers - and they too made a winning start to the new campaign.
Again the bench played a key role, Allen Payne with 20 points and Nick Lewis 13 in an 83-70 win over the Durham Wildcats.
The London Lions beat Surrey United 89-73 in the opening night's other game, Makal Stibbins with 27 points and 12 rebounds.