PREVIEW: Sharks return home for big Cup quarter final

BBL Cup Quarter Final

We’re back! Your B. Braun Sheffield Sharks make their return to Ponds Forge and a huge prize is at stake. Knockout Cup basketball tips off at the Tank this Sunday when Caledonia Gladiators are our visitors with a semi-final place at stake. It’s win or go home as both sides look to leave it all out on court in an attempt to reach the prestigious Birmingham final of the BBL Cup.

Sunday – Sharks v Gladiators – Ponds Forge – 4.00pm

Tickets – B. Braun Sheffield Sharks v Caledonia Gladiators – BBL Cup Quarter Final Tickets, Sun 27 Nov 2022 at 16:00 | Eventbrite

Ones To Watch

David Sloan – The Gladiators return to action in midweek but in their previous outing, the exciting point guard poured in 23 points as Caledonia went down by 77-73 against Cheshire. Currently averaging the same number of points too with 3.3 rebounds and 3.6 assists per game.

Princeton Onwas – Not to be slept on! 15 points, 7 boards, an assist and 2 steals against the Phoenix which sums up his all-round game. Likes picking pockets as his season average of 1.4 steals per game suggests.

Jeremiah Bailey – A huge game in vain against the ‘Nix. Came out with a massive double-double of 11 points and 18 rebounds as well as contributing 6 assists, 5 steals and 4 blocks despite his side losing the contest. 9.9 rebounds per game so far this campaign.

Jordan Burns – New signing to the Gladiators following the departure of Darian Adams. Has played in the NBA G League with Austin Spurs and Maine Celtics and most recently in Europe with Polish side Twarde Pierniki Torun. Point guard out of Colgate, who won Patriot League Player of the Year in 2021.

Last Meeting

October 7^th 2022 – B. Braun Sheffield Sharks (Nichols 21 Ratinho 14 Delpeche 11) 70 Caledonia Gladiators (Bailey 15 Sloan 14 Fraser 13) 74

Shark Bites

Sunday will see the Sharks take part in their 25^th quarter final in the National Cup / BBL Cup in their 29^th season. The previous 24 quarter finals have seen 14 wins and 10 losses.

16 of the 24 Cup quarter finals have been staged at home and brought 10 wins. The 6 away games have brought only 2 wins.

The Sharks have met the Rocks / Gladiators 9 times in the past, including 4 recent games where the matches were part of a group stage in the competition. The Sharks have 5 wins in those 9 games.

In all competitions, the Sharks have 70 wins in 106 games against the Rocks / Gladiators. 51 visits to Sheffield have seen the Scottish franchise win 11 times but they have won on each of their last 3 visits.

SharkNation

How tough are these Sharks? The league’s best defence was recognised once again this week when following our win against Surrey, Bennett Koch was selected on to the BBL All Star Five team of the week. Having had a spell on the road, we now the need the SharkNation to get behind us as we set our sights on a place at the BBL Cup Final in Birmingham on 29^th January. Tickets for this much anticipated clash against Caledonia can be found by clicking the link at the top of the page. Bring the noise and let the Gladiators know what it’s like to be thrown into the Tank! All together now – ‘defence, defence, defence’…. #FearTheFin

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Adam Bates