Not to be for the Sharks against the league leaders

Friday 20th October 2023

British Basketball League Regular Season

B. Braun Sheffield Sharks 76 London Lions 92

The B. Braun Sheffield Sharks went down to a 16 point defeat against the league-leading London Lions. The visitors rested the likes of Sam Dekker and Donte Grantham after their exertions in Europe in midweek but still put up a solid defensive effort on the way to their ninth victory of the campaign. The Sharks improved their shooting in a better second half but now turn their attentions to a swift rematch with Caledonia on Sunday.

Starting Fives

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

Lions: Olaseni, Taylor, Soluwade, Sandy, M Morgan.

Key Moments

The Sharks came out with purpose – Jalon Pipkins’ trey taking them to an early 7-1 advantage. Although London rested key personnel, they could still call upon the services of the likes of GB’s Gabe Olaseni, who poured in 8 points in response as the Lions went up by 9-11. Fellow big Conor Morgan took over to show his shooting prowess by extending the lead to 9-17 but the Sharks replied through a Parker Stewart three. Morgan’s long two ended the period with London in front by 14-22.

Stewart capped a fine stint on court by draining another triple and then effecting a tidy steal to complete an and-one play at 20-25. Luke Nelson stepped off the London bench to nail a corner three and when Ciaran Sandy banked another, the Lions were in danger of running riot at 28-49. Jubril Adekoya kept the Sharks in touch. He went back to back from beyond the arc but a Matt Morgan corner three closed a solid half for the Lions with the score at 34-52.

The Sharks increased the energy with a 10-3 opening to the second half. Bennett Koch began the run and assisted to Jalon Pipkins to lay in and make it 44-55. Three’s from Matt and Conor Morgan bookended a Jordan Ratinho effort but Bradley Kaboza (and-one) and Remy Udeh closed the quarter with Lions keeping the Sharks at arms-length by 53-70.

The Sharks also outscored London in the final stanza but the damage had already been done. Pipkins’ reverse lay up preceded Ramsey’s and-one and Bennett Koch’s hook shot but Matt Morgan finally broke free of the Sharks’ close attentions to pour in 9 points as the lead extended to 62-85. The Lions went into the bonus as the Sharks took a series of trips to the line to close the game. Despite the home side shading the quarter by 23-22, it was London who went to a 9-0 record with a 76-92 success.

MVP

Five Sharks made double figure scoring but nobody fully broke free to run up a big total. Jalon Pipkins ten points was equalled by Devearl Ramsey, who added 4 rebounds and 5 assists to his statline. Terrell Allen also contributed 10, often bringing energy from the bench as well as 6 rebounds and 4 assists and the fourth ten point outing came from captain Bennett Koch, who ripped down 8 boards in addition. The MVP scored 11 but was more effective across several categories. Kipper Nichols claimed 6 rebounds and an assist, making 3 steals and 2 blocked shots but was unable to trouble the London defence sufficiently to put the Sharks in contention on this occasion.

Next game

Caledonia Gladiators v B. Braun Sheffield Sharks, Sunday October 22nd 2023, Playsport, 3.00pm Tip Off.

Image

Adam Bates