Sunday 25th January 2026
Super League Basketball Cup Quarter Final
B. Braun Sheffield Sharks 100 Cheshire Phoenix 103
The B. Braun Sheffield Sharks defence of the SLB Cup is over after an astonishing encounter with fierce rivals Cheshire Phoenix. Offences were to the fore as Cheshire took a slender 57-59 lead into half time before pulling away on a 0-15 run in the third quarter. The Sharks chipped away at the 18 point gap the ‘Nix had created, making it a one possession game at 98-100 inside the final thirty seconds. A pair of Skyler White free throws iced the game for Cheshire as they advanced by 100-103 into a two-legged semi final with London Lions.
Starting Fives
Sharks: Williams, Chatman, James, Ratinho, DeLoach.
Phoenix: Diggins, Rideau, Policelli, Robinson, White.
Key Moments
The game was actually a little slow to start but once it did, three Dirk Williams’ triples shot the Sharks into a 16-11 lead. Cheshire replied and regained the advantage through Jaxon Brenchley’s and-one score at 20-21 and with Frankie Policelli making his fourth trey of the quarter, the ‘Nix retained the upper hand. Damiri Lindo’s late basket closed the opening quarter with the score at 26-29.
The Sharks outgunned the visitors by 31-30 in an eye-watering second period. Policelli effected a steal and dunk to open up a gap at 28-35 but the Sharks hauled it back on a Rodney Chatman III basket as Cheshire talked it over at 34-37. The lithe Patrick Robinson found the hoop with regularity as the gap moved back out to seven at 43-50 before Nick Kern Jr concluded the half. He spun for two, went coast-to-coast for another make and then drained a three on buzzer as the game remained wide open at 57-59 by the break.
A 0-15 run in the third quarter pushed the advantage Cheshire’s way. Another Policelli triple signalled the ‘Nix intentions and as the game became increasingly feisty, Laquincy Rideau opened up a difference of 13 from the line with the score at 64-77. That lead became 18 on a big Skyler White trey to end the visitors run with the scoreboard displaying 64-82. Prentiss Nixon set about reversing the Sharks’ fortunes. His contested three brought it down to 70-84 and Mike Ochereobia’s hook on the buzzer reduced the gap to thirteen with the score at 76-89.
Nixon was once again the Sharks talisman in the final stanza. His dagger three made it 82-91 and with Cheshire entering the penalty with 4.43 to play, his pair from the line took the difference down to seven at 86-93. The game went breathlessly back and forth but when Mervin James went coast-to-coast for a successful and-one play followed by Nixon turning on the jets with 24 seconds to go, the result was a one possession game at 98-100. As the clock ticked down, the Sharks were reduced to fouling to stop play. With ‘Nix skipper Skyler White making three points from the stripe and Nick Kern’s half court attempt missing out, it was Cheshire who progressed with the final score at 100-103.
MVP
Dirk Williams went 4 of 6 from 3 point land to finish with a very useful 15 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists and a blocked shot. Nick Kern’s 15 points all came in the first half as he played on restricted minutes, shooting at 78% from the field. The now-standard 20 point haul was recorded by Mervin James, who also pulled down 7 boards as well as effecting 2 assists in another fine game. The man who looked most likely to carry the Sharks over the line was Prentiss Nixon. His 25 points also included 4 three pointers as well as 4 assists but he was unable to send the Sharks to the semis on this occasion.
Next Game
Bristol Flyers v B. Braun Sheffield Sharks, Friday 6th February 2026, SGS College Arena, 7.30pm Tip Off.
Image
Josh Rackham
