Defeat for Sharks in final Trophy game

Sunday 21st January 2024

British Basketball League Trophy

Cheshire Phoenix 78 B. Braun Sheffield Sharks 70

The B. Braun Sheffield Sharks went down to a 78-70 defeat on the road at Cheshire Phoenix in the final British Basketball League Trophy group stage game. With the semi-final line-up already decided, both sides chose to change up their rotations – Cheshire in a bid to keep their players fit for the Birmingham showpiece and the Sharks with a view to the imminent resumption of the regular season. Malek Green equalled the highest score by a Shark this season with a 24 point, 11 rebound double-double but was unable to steer his side to victory on this occasion.

Starting Fives

Phoenix: Wild, Hudson, Ulph, Stephens, Chargois.

Sharks: Ramsey, Pipkins, Ratinho, Nichols, Koch.

Key Moments

Cheshire rested key men Laquincy Rideau and Aaryn Rai in view of their upcoming semi-final but saw another crucial part of their team in Ethan Chargois leave the game early with a finger injury. Returnee EJ Stephens shot the ‘Nix into an 11-10 lead but Malek Green continued where he left off the previous evening with 9 points as the Sharks went up by 16-21. An RJ Eytle-Rock free throw left the Sharks in front by 19-22 after the opening 10 minutes.

An even second stanza saw the Sharks maintain their lead by half time. Nate Montgomery’s three made it 23-27 and the visitors took a nine point differential on a Bennett Koch bucket at 30-39. Marcus Delpeche’s hook shot kept the Sharks ahead at 36-41 late in the half as a Jack Hudson lay up sent the teams in with a three point gap at the interval.

Malek Green’s energy and varied game ensured the Sharks kept a third period lead. His drives to the hoop as well as work in the low post saw him garner 9 points as his side stayed in front but never fully shook off their hosts. Jordan Ratinho’s triple took the score out to 50-56 but a Cam Holden hook kept Cheshire in touch at 55-59.

The opening five minutes of the final stanza saw the Phoenix fight back. Back to back threes from Greg Wild saw them back in front at 65-63. The battling Bennett Koch closed the gap to one with a tough and-one play but a Skyler White three swung the momentum back Cheshire’s way at 74-68. The Sharks committed late turnovers, choosing to learn from the encounter rather than ruthlessly pursuing a result and it was a Holden jam that wrapped up the win for Cheshire at 78-70.

MVP

The minutes were evenly shared between the 11 man roster as the Sharks looked ahead to the resumption of league play in a fortnight. Two players were key contenders for the MVP award. Bennett Koch continued to lead from the front. His 17 points were made on 7 of 9 shooting, allied with 8 rebounds and 2 steals for another captain’s innings. Malek Green made it back to back MVP awards however. He recorded a very healthy 26 efficiency rating for an explosive 24 point, 11 rebound double-double to show he has assimilated into the Sharks roster very quickly.

Next game

Surrey Scorchers v B. Braun Sheffield Sharks, Friday February 2nd 2024, Surrey Sports Park, 7.30pm Tip Off.

Image

Adam Bates