Instant Replay! Big double-header weekend coming for the Sharks

Super League Basketball Championship

Instant replay! The B. Braun Sheffield Sharks begin back-to-back games this weekend with a swift rematch against their SLB Cup Final opponents Surrey 89ers on Saturday, this time in the ‘Niners home gym at the Surrey Sports Park. Then, it’s back to the Canon Medical Arena on Sunday afternoon when fellow title-chasers Leicester Riders come to town for what looks to be a thrilling encounter. The schedule is relentless and both games will be a test of the Sharks mental and physical abilities as the focus switches to the Championship for the remainder of regular season.

Saturday – 89ers v Sharks – Surrey Sports Park – 6.00pm

Watch - https://www.dazn.com/en-GB/fixture/ContentId:d7x4d2xvl9c9dq8ty01n1k5jo/d7x4d2xvl9c9dq8ty01n1k5jo

Ones To Watch

Mervin James – An outstanding performance in the Cup Final in Nottingham where he finished with 26 points on 62% shooting having also claimed 8 rebounds, an assist and a steal as well as going a perfect 5 of 5 from the line.

Jalen Ray – Smooth left hander whose 24 points in the Final contributed to a tremendous spectacle. Dished out 6 assists to boot and was also perfect from the free throw line in a game where only three were missed in the whole contest.

Dame Adelekun – His absence through foul trouble was one of the reasons the Sharks saw a chink of light on their way to the trophy. Had ripped down 10 boards to that point and is a deadly finisher under the hoop.

Cameron Gooden – Diminutive guard who made some key baskets for his 16 points on Sunday. Kickstarts Surrey on most occasions and is the heartbeat of the ‘Niners offence.

Last Meeting

March 9th 2025 – B. Braun Sheffield Sharks 105 Surrey 89ers 97

Sunday – Sharks v Riders – Canon Medical Arena – 4.00pm

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

Ones To Watch

Charles Thompson – The Riders found themselves in midweek action over in Manchester and Thompson added to his burgeoning reputation with a 26 point, 14 rebound double double that also contained an eye-watering 6 blocks. Averages 8.1 boards for the season.

Zach Jackson – Saw 37 minutes of court time in the Manchester defeat but wasn’t quite able to get the job done despite returning 23 points, 8 rebounds, 3 assists and a steal. Still a Leicester go-to with 17.4 points per game for the campaign.

Riley Abercrombie – Forward with an unerring three point shot that has brought him success on 43 occasions so far this season. Was unable to prevent the Riders going down by 100-93 in Manchester on Tuesday unfortunately.

Jaylin Hunter – Starting guard for the Riders with a definite eye for an assist. Dished out 8 against Manchester and averages 7.2 for the season to highlight his pass-first style of play.

Last Meeting

November 17th 2025 – B. Braun Sheffield Sharks 79 Leicester Riders 61

Shark Bites

The Cup Final produced a combined total of 202 points, the most ever in 67 games between the Sharks and Surrey. Just a matter of weeks earlier, the combined points total was 124, the third lowest ever between the teams.

Mervin James 26 points for Surrey in the Cup Final equalled the highest individual score against the Sharks this season.

The Championship head to head between the Sharks and Leicester currently stands at 2-0 to Sheffield with a basket difference advantage of 161-140. Sharks have not won the Championship head to head since the 2010-11 season, where they prevailed 2 games to 1.

In all competitions, the Sharks have now won their last 4 games against the Riders. The last time that happened was between 21st November 2009 and 5th February 2010. That winning streak falls a little way short of Sharks best run against Riders, which stands at 18 consecutive wins.

SharkNation

Drink it in Sharks fans because this is one special team we have here! Having given their all in the Cup Final, to come out and perform like they did on Wednesday night against Cheshire was something else! This is a very tough schedule so we’re going to need all your support again on Sunday afternoon when a talented Leicester Riders team come to the Canon Medical Arena. Rob Paternostro’s men have their eye on the top of the table too so you can guarantee a battle royale in the Tank. Don’t forget it’s a double-header with the B. Braun Sheffield Hatters tipping off at 1pm against Durham so there is a feast of hoops for you to enjoy. We need to keep this going, let’s make our opponents #FearTheFin.

Image

Adam Bates