Cup holders end Sharks hopes

B. Braun Sheffield Sharks
B. Braun Sheffield Sharks
October 27, 201812:16 AM

Friday 26th October 2018

BBL Cup

DBL Sharks Sheffield 64 Cheshire Phoenix 93

The DBL Sharks Sheffield crashed out of the BBL Cup at the first time of asking to current holders Cheshire Phoenix. The ‘Nix showed no ill-effects from their midweek encounter with London Lions as Dii’Jon Allen-Jordan led the way for them with 23 points, 6 rebounds, 6 assists and 6 steals. The Sharks now face a tough week ahead of a double road trip to Worcester and Surrey on their return to BBL Championship action.

Starting Fives

Sharks: Tuck, Marsden, Alexander, Williams, Collins.

Phoenix: Allen-Jordan, Latinovic, Session, Norl, Rivers.

Key Moments

Momcilo Latinovic hit a trademark three point score to put Cheshire up by 0-5 early in the opening quarter. Norl repeated the effort out of the corner for Phoenix at 8-12 but a Dirk Williams effort saw an ugly first period close at 15-16.

Anthony Collins drive at the top of the second gave the Sharks their only lead of the game. Highlight dunks by Jimario Rivers and Dii’Jon Allen-Jordan saw the Sharks into a timeout at 24-31. Rivers alleyoop gave Cheshire a seventeen point advantage which only fell by one point by the buzzer; the athletic Allen-Jordan closing the first half scoring at 31-47.

The Sharks came out with a flea in their ear and renewed energy at the beginning of the third stanza. Dirk Williams four point play 3.42 into the quarter saw the scores at 38-53 but a technical foul for Coach Lyons and a further trey for Latinovic saw the Sharks fightback unravel at 41-61. Sayers and Latinovic hit more triples and a trip to the line for Rivers concluded the period at 48-72.

The game was effectively over as a contest as Coach Lyons vocally urged his side on in the final ten minutes. Dirk Williams one handed dunk was a rare highlight as the Phoenix ploughed on unabashed. Daniel Norl drained another three out of the corner with Cheshire 60-86 in front and a trip to the line for bencher Lewis Jones saw the holders through to the next stage by 64-93.

MVP

Not a difficult task on a forgettable night for the Sharks. There were 11 points and 4 rebounds for Leslee Smith, mostly gleaned late on in the contest. There was also a high-assist night (12) for Anthony Collins in only his second game. The eventual winner quite clearly was Dirk Williams, who poured in 20 points and pulled down 5 boards. Williams garnered 62% inside and hit three big scores from distances in a one-man attempt to keep the Sharks in the game.

Quotes

Sharks skipper Mike Tuck was extremely apologetic after the Sharks exited the BBL Cup at the first time of asking.

http://sheffieldsharks.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/Tuck-v-Nix-mp3cut.net_.mp3

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Andy Chubb