REPORT: Kipper fries the Rocks as Sharks get off the mark

Sunday 26th September 2021

BBL Cup Group Stage

Glasgow Rocks 69 B. Braun Sheffield Sharks 79

The B. Braun Sheffield Sharks went 1-1 over opening weekend with a pleasing and hard-fought win over the hometown Glasgow Rocks. The Sharks dominated the Scots on the boards and were led by an outstanding double-double from the recently-arrived Kipper Nichols with 26 points and 10 rebounds.

Starting Fives

Rocks: Hillsman, Minnie, Harris, Johnson, Fraser.

Sharks: Anderson, Williams, Nichols, Ratinho, Delpeche.

Key Moments

Nichols set the tone for an outstanding afternoon’s work with 7 points in the first quarter. There was little to choose between the sides in the opening stanza however, which closed at 18-16 in favour of the home side.

The Rocks threatened to break out midway through the second period on a huge three point score from ex-NBA G Leaguer Jordan Johnson at 28-23 but the Sharks fought back strongly on Nichols’ triple late in the shot clock to regain the lead at 33-34. That lead extended on an exquisite play involving Aaron Anderson, Nichols and finished on the dunk by Marcus Delpeche and a Jordan Ratinho putback concluded the half at 36-38.

The game remained a close affair in the third quarter. Glasgow player coach Gareth Murray drained the three that kept the Rocks in touch at 47-49, matched in kind by the Sharks’ Lucien Christofis. Going into the final ten minutes the game could have gone either way with the score at 53-56.

The contest turned truly enthralling for that final stanza. Back to back Delpeche dunks saw the Sharks out to a 59-64 lead and a Ratinho trey on the angle extended that at 65-71. The Rocks went into the penalty inside the final minute, allowing Anderson and Nichols to see out a very satisfying 69-79 success for the Sharks.

MVP

The Sharks dominated the boards, out-rebounding Glasgow by 47 to 30. Ratinho (8 rebounds) and Delpeche (7 rebounds) were key to this alongside useful 9 and 15 point hauls respectively. Point Guard Aaron Anderson filled his statline to record 10 points, 5 rebounds, 6 assists and 2 steals. The MVP was a clear one however. University of Illinois grad Kipper Nichols looked a class above on his was to 26 points and 10 rebounds to put his side level for the weekend.

Next Game

Newcastle Eagles v B. Braun Sheffield Sharks, Friday 1^st October 2021, Vertu Motors Arena, 7.30pm Tip Off

Image

Adam Bates