London Calling. The BBL Trophy preview.

B. Braun Sheffield Sharks
B. Braun Sheffield Sharks
December 19, 20188:00 AM

BBL Trophy

Sunday 23rd December 2018

London Lions v DBL Sharks Sheffield

After that thrilling overtime top of the table league clash last Sunday, it is a swift return to the capital for the DBL Sharks Sheffield. Atiba Lyons men will be looking to exact revenge on the London Lions, this time to advance from the first round of the BBL Trophy. It will be no easy task however, with Vince Macaulay’s men looking to be silverware favourites even at this point of the season.

What to expect

It took clutch performances from some of the Lions big game players to get that dramatic win last Sunday. Ladarius Tabb continued his rich vein of form with 24 points and 14 rebounds and Justin Robinson underlined why he is the current MVP with 22 points and 9 assists. Feeling his way back from injury is Paul Guede but as his clutch shot at the death and 13 points and 4 rebounds suggested, he is poised to recapture the form that everyone knows he is capable of. The combined efforts of Jerelle Okoro, Kervin Bristol, Flo Larkai and Jordan Spencer didn’t go un-noticed and while Brandon Peel went score-less, that is most likely the exception rather than the norm. In all honesty, tougher opponents you couldn’t wish to meet, especially for a first round draw. However, if you want to be the best, you have to beat the best and that should at least ensure another humdinger of a game.

Shark Watch

It takes two teams to make a thrilling game and the Sharks certainly played their part in the battle of the top two. Indeed, the Sharks had chances to win the game before overtime and they must keep that confidence heading into Sunday’s matchup. Continuing his astonishing form is Dirk Williams. His 30 points on Sunday were gleaned in a variety of fashions, not least that jaw-dropping trey that sent the game into overtime. Expectation is always high now that Chris Alexander will figure in the game’s top scorers and there was a welcome 14 point, 6 rebound haul for Leslee Smith, picking up more court time since the departure of Matthew Don. While they ended on the wrong side of Sunday’s scoreline, there was more than enough proof that the Sharks can live in this company and set themselves off on another silverware trail.

Last time out

London Lions (Tabb 24, Robinson 22, Guede 13) 92 DBL Sharks Sheffield (Williams 30, Alexander 17, Smith 14) 82 OT

Fans Corner

If you can’t get down to the Copperbox on Sunday, then livebasketball.tv is the place to be for the 4pm tip off. After wins against Leicester Riders and Newcastle Eagles in recent weeks, your Sharks are showing that they are the hottest ticket in Sheff city right now. We are back at home on December 30th when Manchester Giants are our visitors. Give yourself a ‘Twixtmas’ treat and come and see a Sheffield team that truly entertains!

Next home game

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Carol Moir