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
