REPORT: Sharks slay Gladiators for crucial win

Friday 10^th March 2023

BBL Championship

B. Braun Sheffield Sharks 82 Caledonia Gladiators 72

The B. Braun Sheffield Sharks picked up a timely first win of the season over Caledonia Gladiators with a solid 82-72 success. A standout first quarter was key to the victory as the Sharks held off a late fightback by the BBL Trophy finalists to move to 10-16 for the campaign. 17 points from Devearl Ramsey and 19 from MVP Sa’eed Nelson paced the Sharks to a first win of a testing weekend double-header.

Starting Fives

Sharks: Nelson, Pipkins, Ratinho, Ramsey, Koch.

Gladiators: Sloan, Tape, Onwas, Bailey, Durham.

Key Moments

The Sharks showed their early intent as Devearl Ramsey, Sa’eed Nelson and Bennett Koch took them out to an 8-0 lead. Prince Onwas broke the run but a further 15-2 streak underlined the Sharks dominance on Jordan Ratinho’s three point shot following an acrobatic Nelson save. Caledonia’s Fahro Alihodzic poured in 6 points to reduce the deficit at 23-10 but even a David Sloan kiss off the glass couldn’t disguise the magnitude of the Sharks first quarter with the score at 25-12.

The Gladiators frustration became clear with Jeremiah Bailey picking up a technical foul – Rodney Glasgow converting from the line at 28-16. Fraser Malcolm and Glasgow traded three point scores at 35-21 and 6 Bailey points signalled a slight comeback from the Scots. A huge one handed throwdown from the Sharks’ Jalon Pipkins demonstrated his side’s determination on the evening. Kipper Nichols assisted to Marcus Delpeche and a big Ramsey triple concluded a fine first half with the score at 44-33 in favour of the home side.

The Sharks were no less offensive minded in the third quarter. Ratinho’s subtle fake led to another trey at 51-38 and basket interference from Kipper Nichol’s shot saw three more go on the tally at 58-42. The Sharks took their biggest lead of the encounter on a Nelson basket at 64-42 and it wasn’t until Onwas converted a three that Caledonia started to recover. Al Durham made the last two baskets of the period but the Sharks still looked well in command at 66-53.

The dangerous Bailey continued the Gladiators comeback with 7 points as the gap came down under ten points at 70-62. Ratinho’s three from the top of the key steadied the Sharks nerve but firstly Sloan and then Malcolm with three shots from the line took it down to six at 76-70. The cause for alarm became worse as two from the line by Sloan made the gap to four but the Sharks took advantage of Caledonia’s foul situation by drawing calls that saw Nelson and Ramsey make it 80-72 from the line. Al Durham’s missed three point attempt saw Marcus Delpeche close out a very satisfying 82-72 victory from the stripe.

MVP

Jordan Ratinho hit some clutch three point shots on a solid evening’s work where he finished with 11 points, 2 rebounds, 1 assist and a one steal. The Sharks made 22 of their 23 free throws on the night and made 11 steals – an equal high against BBL teams this season. Going 8 of 8 from the line and picking up 7 of those steals was Devearl Ramsey. His high tempo game also gleaned 17 points as well as 4 assists and 2 rebounds to signal a fine performance. He was just pipped for the MVP award by Sa’eed Nelson however. The all-action guard also hit all eight of his free throws on his way to a game-high 19 points, 8 rebounds and 6 assists, which helped his side secure a very important win.

Next game

Surrey Scorchers v B. Braun Sheffield Sharks, Saturday March 11^th 2023, Surrey Sports Park, 6.00pm Tip Off.

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Adam Bates