PREVIEW: Swift re-match as Sharks head to the Lions Den

BBL Cup Group Stage

Friday 13^th November 2020

London Lions v B. Braun Sheffield Sharks

It’s a swift rematch for the B. Braun Sharks as game two of the BBL Cup group stage takes place this Friday. The Sharks were 70-61 winners over the Lions in last weekend’s opener and the men from the capital will be out for revenge in their home Copperbox Arena. Atiba Lyons’ men will be hoping for another passionate display, as typified by the MVP performance of Antwon Lillard, who recorded a double-double last time out.

What to expect

It goes without saying that the London roster is packed to the gills with talent. Former Cleveland Cavalier DeAndre Liggins led the way for the Lions last week with 18 points, affirming his credentials all over the court. London will be smarting from now being 0-2 and will be keen to get off the mark on home territory. Byron Mullens, best known for his spell at Charlotte Bobcats, has yet to appear in the BBL for the Lions but they also boast the best of British talent in two-times MVP Justin Robinson (8 pts, 5 rebs, 3 ast last week) and Fahro Alihodzic (6 pts, 6 rebs) as well as US college standout Kevin Ware (9 pts, 8 rebs) and much-loved former Shark Dirk Williams (7 pts, 3 rebs). The expectations are high on the men from the Copperbox and few would back against them coming good very soon given the tools at their disposal.

Shark Watch

Defence wins games! The Sharks demonstrated this in spades last Friday, holding a fancied London line-up to just 61 points at fortress Ponds Forge. The famous arena might have been devoid of spectators but the team on the court and the one on the bench came together to pull out a memorable win last Friday. Standing out like a beacon was the 21 point, 10 rebound double-double from Antwon Lillard but there were versatile displays from Kipper Nichols (14 points 2 rebounds), Mackey McKnight (9 points, 4 rebounds, 6 assists) and Rob Marsden (7 rebounds). Summing up the ‘team’ aspect of the performance was the big three plus one score from Nicholas Lewis later on in the encounter having been stymied by foul trouble in the earlier stages. More of the same will be required in the ‘big smoke’ against a Lions side that will most definitely be ‘up for it.’

Last Time Out

B. Braun Sheffield Sharks (Lillard 21, Nichols 14, McKnight 9) 70 London Lions (Liggins 18, Ware 9, Robinson 8) 61

Fans Corner

You were missed at Ponds Forge last Friday! We enjoyed your messages of support via social media – please keep it up! Please note the change of tip off time for this coming Friday – 5pm at the Copperbox Arena. Keep a look out on our social media channels for details of the streaming arrangements for this fixture – we will try and keep you in touch with events in the best manner that we can. In the meantime, we hope we are providing a little break from lockdown life – take care SharkNation!

Next Game

London Lions v B. Braun Sheffield Sharks, Friday 13^th November 2020, Copperbox Arena, 5pm Tip Off

Image

Adam Bates