Playoffs begin on Sunday in the Tank

British Basketball League Playoff Quarter Final

The most crucial part of the season is upon us! The B. Braun Sheffield Sharks take on Leicester Riders in a best of three at the Quarter Final stage to see who can progress one step nearer to that showpiece final at London’s O2 Arena on May 19th. Game One takes place this Sunday (28th April) at the Canon Medical Arena, Game Two at Leicester’s Mattioli Arena on Saturday May 4th and Game Three (if it is required) at the Canon Medical Arena on Sunday May 5th. Win and you stay in the competition – lose and the season is over.

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

Tickets – Fanbase | Schedule (fanbaseclub.com)

Ones To Watch

Teddy Allen – Vying for the title of best mid-season signing of the season, Allen added another 30 points as Leicester finished off regular season with victory in Surrey. Has competition stats of 22.3 points, 6.4 rebounds and 2.3 assists for the regular season campaign just gone.

Sesan Russell – Stepped up in the absence of Kimbal Mackenzie to pour in 20 points on 70% shooting as the Riders took an 88-94 victory in Surrey. Took to the court for 30 minutes as opposed to his usual 13 and rewarded Coach Paternostro with the win that confirmed fifth spot.

Miryne Thomas – One of the Riders most consistent performers throughout regular season, Thomas weighed in with 17 points, 6 rebounds, 1 assist and 2 steals in the Surrey takedown. Adds 12.6 points and 6 boards per game for the season.

Jaren Holmes – Reliable guard who contributes across the floor in the Riders’ team-based approach. Averages a solid 13.4 points, 4.3 rebounds and 2.8 assists from 29 minutes but deviated from that a little bit with 8 / 5 / 5 against the Scorchers.

Last Meeting

March 29th 2024 – B. Braun Sheffield Sharks (Ramsey 23 Green 19 Pipkins 17) 85 Leicester Riders (Allen 29 Mackenzie 16 Lall 14) 88

Shark Bites

This season will be the 10th time in the last 23 seasons where Sheffield and Leicester have met in the playoffs. In the previous 9 encounters, the Riders have prevailed 5 times. Seven of the 9 playoff match-ups have come at the Quarter Final stage with the Riders progressing 4 times to Sharks 3. The clubs have never met in the Semi-Finals of the playoffs.

The 27 previous playoff Quarter-Final ties played by the Sharks (they were seeded direct to the Semi-Final in 2001 and 2020 never took place) have seen progression 16 times and the campaign end at that stage in 11 seasons. Under Coach Atiba Lyons, the record is 6 wins and 8 losses.

While Atiba Lyons has been in charge of the Sharks, they have met Leicester 6 times in the playoffs with the Sharks winning twice. Five of those clashes between Coach Lyons and Coach Paternostro have come at the Quarter Final stage with the Sharks only win coming in 2015, after overtime in a 2 legged aggregate tie.

The Riders last four best of 3 games playoff series have all been lost 2-0 – in 1997 to London Leopards and in 1992, 1993 and 1994 all to Worthing. The last win by Leicester in the best of 3 game playoff format was against Derby on 27th March 1991.

SharkNation

You’ve roared us on to a 13 wins in the Tank – we’d like your help for just a little bit longer! A huge Game One in the Playoff Quarter-Finals awaits us on Sunday afternoon and we need the SharkNation in full effect to get us off to a flying start. Hit the ticket link higher up the page, fill those seats and turn the volume up to eleven – Atiba, Rodney, Bennett and the guys need you in fine voice. We’re sure you’ll agree that the Canon Medical Arena has been THE place to be recently and together we can do great things. Sunday, the Sharks, the Playoffs and you – we are UNBEATABLE! It’s time to #FearTheFin.

Image

Adam Bates