Dramatic penultimate weekend in the Championship coming up for Sharks

Super League Basketball Championship

The scene is set for a dramatic penultimate weekend in the SLB Championship for the B. Braun Sheffield Sharks. Leaders London Lions come to the Canon Medical Arena on Good Friday with the Sharks needing a win to keep their title aspirations alive. Then on Sunday, the Sharks head north of the border for another tough encounter against the much-improved Caledonia Gladiators. Those opponents are repeated for the final weekend of regular season with the Sharks acutely aware that nothing less than four wins will see them remain in contention. It all adds up to an electric, unmissable finish to a thrilling SLB regular season.

Friday – Sharks v Lions – Canon Medical Arena – 7.30pm

Tickets - https://app.fanbaseclub.com/Fan/Fixtures?fanStoreType=Fixtures&clubId=216

Ones To Watch

Terrell Holloway – The mid-season recruit was the London standout as they dipped against the Surrey 89ers. The vet with bags of European experience finished with 20 points, including four big 3 point shots but couldn’t prevent the Lions slipping to a third consecutive loss.

Alen Hadzibegovic – A monster double-double for the imposing forward against the ‘Niners but it was in vain in the 88-80 road loss. His 13 point, 12 board effort came with 6 offensive rebounds. Averages 12.7 points and 7.7 rebounds for the season.

Tanner Stuckman – Swapped Scotland for London mid-campaign and has been a very useful addition to the Lions roster. Finished with 13 / 7 at Surrey and his very effective hook shot took him to 5 of 8 shooting.

Aaryn Rai – A ‘quiet’ night for Rai saw him end with 11 points and 7 boards in Surrey but he has proved that at times, he is un-guardable. Season stats of 15.2 points, 7.3 rebounds and 3.8 assists bear that out.

Last Meeting

December 18th 2024 - London Lions 80 B. Braun Sheffield Sharks 77

Sunday – Gladiators v Sharks – Playsport – 5.00pm

Watch - https://www.dazn.com/en-GB/fixture/ContentId:b7q3bcxd8f3286ukobgre8bh0/b7q3bcxd8f3286ukobgre8bh0

Ones To Watch

Jett Speelman – Caledonia’s recent resurgence was curtailed on the road at Bristol. Speelman however proved he was one to watch with an eye-catching 17 point display that saw him go 7 of 11 from the field including three makes from downtown.

Devearl Ramsey – Went uncharacteristically pointless down in Bristol after collecting MVP awards in his previous two games. Has recorded 13.9 points, 2.8 rebounds and 4.5 assists since his return to the British game.

Trevond Barnes – The Gladiators most productive forward of the season. 12.7 points, 5.9 boards and 2.1 dimes over the campaign as the Scots went down by 81-62 against the Flyers.

Patrick Whelan – Sharp shooting GB international who has recently stepped off the bench for the Glads. 13 points and 4 assists against Bristol which compares with season averages of 14.7 points and 4.1 assists.

Last Meeting

April 2nd 2025 – B. Braun Sheffield Sharks 74 Caledonia Gladiators 81

Shark Bites

Sharks need to win both games against London by a combined total of 28 points to take the season head-to-head.

The Lions come to Sheffield on Friday to play the Sharks having never lost on their two previous visits to the Canon Medical Arena. 20th October 2023 saw Lions win 92-76 followed by an 89-79 victory on 11th February 2024.

In their six completed Championship head to heads this season, the Sharks have prevailed 3-1 against all the teams. Wins in each of the two upcoming games in Scotland would give the Sharks a 3-1 advantage over Caledonia as well.

The Sharks have so far failed to win a Championship game at the newest home of the Scottish franchise. Sharks only win at Playsport was in the Trophy competition early this season.

SharkNation

Want to make it a ‘Good Friday?’ Then the place you need to be is the Canon Medical Arena for the Sharks huge, huge clash against London Lions. Hit the link at the top of the page to secure your seats for what promises to be one of the games of the season. The mission is pretty clear – we need to win out. And we know that you like to play your part in roaring the guys on. It’s now or never, do or die stuff – we need it to be LOUD! Fancy taking up the challenge? Well claim those seats now and become our sixth man. It is most definitely time to #FearTheFin!

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Josh Rackham