Worthing Thunder blasted their way into the BBL play-off places tonight as they won an extraordinary shoot out with the league's top-scoring team.

Thunder held on a for 121-111 verdict at home to Worcester Wolves but only after seeing a 32-point lead late in the third quarter cut to just four going into the final stages.

Top scorer Ryan Patton made six three-pointers from eight attempts, none more dramatic than the success from deep in the left corner late in the shot clock which put his side up 115-108 with 2min 34sec to go.

Thunder have now won six of 16 games this season and move one win above their vanquished visitors in the table.

It was the Sussex club's fourth win in five games and their third in a row at home.

The success sets them up nicely for their next fixture, at derby rivals Guildford Heat on December 28.

Thunder looked high on confidence and energy as they made eight of their first 11 three-point shots.

They led 68-57 at the half and reached three figures with 3:13 still to go in the third quarter when Dan Midgley, making a strong contribution to the starting fve, hit a three from the corner.

Colby Bargeman then struck from the same range as Thunder opened a seemingly invincible 106-74 advantage.

Wolves, though, are a potent offensive force and went on a run of 21-3 either side of the final interval, then an 11-0 in the fourth quarter.

They were back to 112-108 when Thunder called timeout with 3:32 to go but the hosts had just enough left to secure the win.

Thunder shot a total of 16 three-pointers from 29 attempts and also shaded the rebound count 43-40.

Thunder: Patton 28 (12 assists), Ivanovskis 19 (12 rebs), Woods 18 (13 rebs), Bargeman 18, Midgley 13, Hildreth 10, Wardrope 7, Burns 2.

Worcester: Paez 40, Brown 21, Funn 16, Harker 15, Disy 12, Uzkuraitis 7.