In-form Cheshire take big win over Sharks

Sunday 10th December 2023

British Basketball League Regular Season

B. Braun Sheffield Sharks 85 Cheshire Phoenix 104

In-form Cheshire Phoenix were comprehensive victors over the B. Braun Sheffield Sharks on a rare off-afternoon at the Canon Medical Arena. The second-placed Phoenix raced out to a 35-60 lead by half time which was to eventually prove unassailable by the Sharks. The Sharks rallied through the third and fourth quarters, narrowing the gap to just 7 points at one stage, but it was the North West side who finished strongly to take a 19 point win. The Sharks now face a 12 day gap between fixtures ahead of a crucial festive period of play.

Starting Fives

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

Phoenix: Rideau, Jack, Rai, Chargois, White.

Key Moments

The Sharks made a slow start, conceding the most points in any quarter this season as well as scoring the lowest total in the same period. Ethan Chargois’ putback saw Cheshire make an early 2-12 run with the score at 4-14. Jalon Pipkins’ reverse dunk and a Prentiss Nixon jump shot saw the Sharks into double figures but the Phoenix were relentless in making basket after basket. Cam Holden’s basket saw the quarter end at 10-31.

The second quarter wasn’t much better. Three more baskets at the start ended a 0-17 run from the visitors and their ‘lights out’ shooting was typified by EJ Stephens juggling the ball but still making the triple as the score became 24-47. Some passion was finally displayed by Jubril Adekoya, who went on to make 7 in the quarter but two late buckets by Laquincy Rideau saw Cheshire with a huge half time advantage at 35-60.

The Sharks finally showed some pluck in a 25-14 third quarter. Adekoya’s three was followed by further big scores from Pipkins and Jordan Ratinho but despite the rally, it was difficult to make in-roads into the ‘Nix lead. The period ended strongly through Prentiss Nixon. His corner three was repeated from the top of the key and when he was fouled on the buzzer, his free throws ended the stanza at 60-74.

Nixon’s energy continued at the top of the fourth period. Another three was followed by a steal which ended in a successful and-one play and when Ratinho connected from out of the corner, the difference was just seven at 74-81. Raised hopes dissipated once again as Cheshire went to prove why they are second in the table. Rideau and Aaryn Rai hit treys as the ‘Nix accelerated away once more and despite Bennett Koch’s late putback, the scoreline of 85-104 reflected an uncharacteristic home display for the Sharks.

MVP

There were double figure scores for Jordan Ratinho (12) and Jalon Pipkins (16) with Devearl Ramsey adding 7 assists to his 9 points. There were only two real contenders for the MVP award however. The wise head of Jubril Adekoya kickstarted the Sharks rally. His 15 points came with 3 rebounds, 3 assists, 3 steals and a blocked shot as well as an injection of passion into the performance. Performing equally in the passion stakes was the eventual MVP, Prentiss Nixon. He had the heart and the shooting to match, making 6 of his 8 shots and 4 out of 5 from three point territory to end with a fine 20 points, 2 rebounds, an assist and 2 steals.

Next game

B. Braun Sheffield Sharks v Bristol Flyers, Friday December 22nd 2023, Canon Medical Arena, 7.45pm Tip Off.

Image

Adam Bates