ESSEX Pirates suffered a narrow 75-70 defeat against Worcester Wolves at the Southend Leisure and Tennis Centre this evening.

Pirates led 29-28 at the half-time interval but were overcome in the final two periods.

The game began slowly and neither side scored in the opening four minutes.

Once the duck was finally broken, Wolves went on to lead 12-11 at the end of the first quarter with Daniel Gilbert scoring a three pointer right on the buzzer.

Wolves stretched out to a 21-15 lead midway through the second stanza but a 10-4 Pirates run tied the game before Pablo Rodrigo scored to give the home-side a 29-28 lead at the break.

Four points from Taner Adu then gave Pirates a 34-28 advantage before Worcester's outside shooting got going as Rod Middleton and Gilbert helped the visitors get back into the game to trail by just one point at 40-39.

An 11-3 burst from Wolves sent them back into the lead at 50-46 before a Sam Toluwase basket trimmed the gap to just two points at the end of the third quarter.

Wolves started the fourth quarter with a 13-4 run to lead by 11 at 63-52 and the visitors maintained their advantage – heading into the final 90 seconds leading 68-59.

But a Walid Mumuni basket then sparked Pirates into life and they closed the gap to just two points at 70-68 with 18 seconds remaining.

However, then came a disputed decision by referee Keith Williams which sent Middleton to the line and he made both free throws to effectively kill off the game.

Adu top scored for Pirates with 18 points while Rodrigo added 17 and Mumuni 14.

Full reaction to follow.