Sharks fly back home for Bristol encounter

BBL Championship

Friday 29th March 2019

DBL Sharks Sheffield v Bristol Flyers

The DBL Sharks Sheffield finally return home after an eight week absence this Friday with one of their most important games of the season on the cards. The race for playoff places is well and truly on with only six points (or three wins) separating the sides in positions four through ten. That tenth placed team, Bristol Flyers, come to the EIS looking to make ground with their games in hand.

What to expect

The Flyers suffered something of an aberration last Friday in going down by 82-64 on the road at Newcastle Eagles. Fred Thomas (16), Tevin Falzon (10) and Marcus Delpeche (10) were the only Bristolians to make it into double figures as the Flyers dipped in the North East. In recent weeks, Andreas Kapoulas’ men have secured decent wins against Surrey (80-73) and notably, Plymouth (95-79), which made the margin of defeat in Newcastle the more baffling. Kapoulas’ sides always have a strong team ethic. The aforementioned Thomas puts up 15.9 points per game with 6.5 rebounds, almost matched by Jalan McCloud with 15.6 points per game. Those two aside, England International Daniel Edozie (8.2 rebounds per game) and Falzon (6.2 rebounds per game) aid the defensive effort – Justin Gray (13.3 points per game), Falzon (8.8 points per game), Edozie (7.9 points per game) and Mike Vigor (6.7 points per game) go to work on the offensive end. No heroes – just a solid work ethic where the team is greater than the sum of its parts. And of course, finishing in the top eight focuses the mind and the Flyers will come to the EIS knowing they have beaten the Sharks twice already this season, determined to make it a clean sweep.

Shark Watch

Return of the Mac? You bet! Mackey McKnight’s 14 points, 7 assists and 3 steals was a key factor in the Sharks against-the-odds win over London City Royals by 65-72 last Saturday. It was a determined effort from the Sharks that saw the Royals unbeaten home league record fall and the type of display that Atiba Lyons’ men need more of in the run up to post season. The seeds were sown in a valiant effort at the Copperbox the previous evening against the seemingly invincible London Lions, where McKnight added 11 points and 6 assists. The return of skipper Mike Tuck (8 rebounds against the Royals) was also a boon to the side and the rotation of him, Rob Marsden and Drago Brcina looks to be an effective one. But above all, it showed that the Sharks have the heart for the battle and face 7 ‘cup finals’ in order to book their place at the big dance. While the Flyers hold the head to head over the Sharks this season, another win appears crucial to keep Coach Lyons side in the mix. A terrific game awaits!

Last time out

Bristol Flyers (Thomas 10, Taylor 10, Gray 10) 62 DBL Sharks Sheffield (Williams 21, Alexander 17, Marsden 12) 61

Fans Corner

You’ve waited a long time for it but your DBL Sharks Sheffield are finally back on home territory! We’re anticipating a bumper crowd for a crucial game against Bristol when you can finally welcome Mackey McKnight back to the Tank and celebrate the home debut of Drago Brcina. We’ve got seven huge games to finish regular season and we need the SharkNation loud and proud at every one of them. Click the link below if you haven’t already booked your seat and come and see what our version of March Madness is all about!

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Andy Chubb