Regular season ends with Eagles visit

BBL Championship

Thursday 25th April 2019

DBL Sharks Sheffield v Newcastle Eagles

Regular season comes to an end with a swift return match-up against Newcastle Eagles. The Sharks took a 72-76 road win at the new Eagles Community Arena barely two weeks ago to claim a rare season head-to-head over the North East outfit. The Eagles are always formidable opponents however and will be gearing up for the playoffs in a currently silverware-less season.

What to expect

Victor Moses and Darius Defoe were absent from the recent defeat on Tyneside and the Eagles saw Jeremy Smith restricted to just 6 minutes action as they attempted to rest a few bodies prior to the playoffs. Moses is being touted as a potential league MVP amongst a number of candidates; something that comes as little surprise given his previous pedigree in the league. Defoe is as experienced as they come – and has added a three point threat to his game proving that you can teach an old dog new tricks! Two times MVP Rahmon Fletcher has produced yet another stellar season, being a consistent scorer and dishing out the assists with his usual aplomb. The Williams brothers, Drew Lasker and Player / Coach Flournoy bring their considerable knowledge to the table and you can only see Newcastle being one of the sides to watch when post season begins. Some careful game management may be displayed in view of the Quarter Finals to come but you can be sure that the wily Flournoy will have his men at the peak of their performance when the dance begins.

Shark Watch

The Sharks were more dominant in the previous fixture that the four point differential suggested. They took the first three quarters by 24-23, 18-12 and 19-14 respectively before the Eagles staged an almighty comeback with a 23-15 final period. The Sharks were canny enough down the stretch however and held on for an all-too-rare win up north. The game marked a return to form for Dirk Williams, after a few lean games, with 26 points and 7 rebounds. Rob Marsden again stood out amongst the forwards with a 14 point 10 rebound double double although the team nature of the win was summed up by Chris Alexander dishing out 8 assists, despite only a 4 point haul for the free-scoring guard. The Sharks will be keen to round off regular season in the right manner, especially as a reward for their loyal fans who have once again stuck by the team through thick and thin.

Last time out

Newcastle Eagles (Fletcher 15 Williams Kyle 13 Williams Kai 12) 72 DBL Sharks Sheffield (Williams 26 Marsden 14 Brcina 9) 76

Fans Corner

Summer is coming and chances to catch some top class basketball are running out. Put the Easter eggs to one side and come and cheer on your DBL Sharks in their final regular season game. We’ve got an unusual Thursday game night but it will make your Friday go with a bang and give a great start to the weekend. As ever, Atiba and the guys appreciate all your support and urge you to bring the noise in this final regular season league encounter!

Next home game

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Amy Smith