PREVIEW: Thriller on the cards as Leicester visit The Tank this Friday

B. Braun Sheffield Sharks
B. Braun Sheffield Sharks
March 23, 20236:00 AM
BBL Championship

After five Championship wins on the bounce, including that memorable second league success over London Lions, the B. Braun Sheffield Sharks welcome Leicester Riders to Ponds Forge on Friday evening. Third placed Leicester are 2-0 over the Sharks in the BBL Championship although the Sharks had that compelling win down at the Morningside Arena that took them into the BBL Trophy semi-finals. Whatever the past results, a thrilling game looks to be on the cards in The Tank this Friday evening!

Friday – Sharks v Riders – Ponds Forge – 7.30pm

Tickets – B. Braun Sheffield Sharks v Leicester Riders – BBL Championship Tickets, Fri 24 Mar 2023 at 19:30 | Eventbrite

Ones To Watch

Kimbal Mackenzie – The Riders have made several adjustments at the point this season but Mackenzie has now embraced the role with outstanding results. Recently called up to the GB squad, he poured in 25 points last Friday to see Leicester to an impressive 84-81 over Caledonia Gladiators.

Patrick Whelan – Another who has caught the eye of the GB management, Whelan is an excellent three point shooter who is averaging 14.1 points per game for the season. Makes 44.8% of his shots from beyond the arc as well as 43.7% from inside. Scored 12 in the Caledonia win.

Marc Loving – Danger man who loves life above the rim as well as out in the deep. Currently putting up 15.8 points per game and pulling down 6.3 boards in just over 32 minutes per game. Field goal conversion rate of 46.6% as well as 84.8% success from the line means Loving is definitely one to watch.

Zach Jackson – Blue collar worker who sometimes goes under the radar but definitely shouldn’t be slept on. Another 40% shooter from deep who is averaging 15.4 points for the season. Has all-round value to Leicester with 5.3 rebounds, 1.9 assists and 0.9 steals per game. Six 20 point hauls to his name this campaign.

Last Meeting

February 10th 2022 – Leicester Riders (Jackson 18 Mackenzie 15 Loving 13) 78 B. Braun Sheffield Sharks (Nichols 19 Koch 18 Ratinho 10) 79

Shark Bites

In Championship visits to South Yorkshire, the Riders have won on the last 12 occasions. The Sharks last home Championship win against Leicester was on 6th April 2014.

Atiba Lyons and Rob Paternostro are into their 15th season as Coach of their respective clubs. In 64 previous meetings in all competitions, Atiba has 16 wins, 1 draw and 47 losses. In Championship only games, Atiba has 8 wins whilst suffering 34 losses.

The Sharks have won on the home court of the clear top 3 in the BBL this season after their win in London on Sunday, following on from success at both Bristol and Leicester.

In their last 5 games, Sharks have gone to the free throw line 90 times, making 76 of them at a highly impressive 84.44%. Devearl Ramsey (17), Jalon Pipkins (12), Rodney Glasgow (11) and Jordan Ratinho (10) are all on double digit runs of consecutive free throws made.

SharkNation

We’re on a roll and we want to keep it that way! Back to back double header winning weekends are what we are all about. Hopefully you all saw that stunning win over the loaded London Lions last Sunday down in the capital. Well this Friday, we’ve got an equally big match-up and as ever, we’re going to need the SharkNation out in full force. We’ve had some epic games against the Riders over the years and this one looks like being no different. Hit the ticket link at the top of the page to secure your seat and then get your vocal chords ready. Because we want the noise to be off-the-scale!!! We go at 7.30pm – be there! It’s time to #FearTheFin!

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Adam Bates

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