Super League Basketball Cup
The B. Braun Sheffield Sharks will be looking to defend the SLB Cup that they won so memorably last season in Nottingham with a mouth-watering Quarter Final clash against Cheshire Phoenix. The Sharks and the ‘Nix have played three times already this season with Cheshire leading the series by 2-1 but each game has been edge of the seat stuff. The Sharks won just prior to the turn of the New Year by four points so another thriller appears to be on the cards. It’s a one and done – win and progress to the semis, lose and go home. The chances of this game being a staid and quiet one are slim – all eyes will be on the Canon Medical Arena on Sunday afternoon!
Sunday – Sharks v Phoenix – Canon Medical Arena – 4.00pm
Tickets - https://app.fanbaseclub.com/Fan/Fixtures?fanStoreType=Fixtures&clubId=216
Ones To Watch
Patrick Robinson – Came from the bench to good effect as he has done all season as Cheshire broke Surrey’s winning streak. His 23 points came at a very good clip of 72% and he also dished out 4 assists as the Phoenix took a 10 point win.
Michael Diggins – Useful forward with a variety of scoring options, who added 21 points as the ‘Nix claimed a 100-90 home win over the in-form 89ers. Hit the mark from three on 3 occasions as well as pulling down 6 boards for a very tidy afternoon.
Frankie Policelli – Fits Cheshire’s offensive ethos to a tee, going 4 of 10 from deep on his way to 20 points overall against Surrey. Averages 11.3 points for the season in the Championship and is a constant spark from the bench for the men from the North West.
Laquincy Rideau – Makes the Cheshire side tick from the point and is highly-influential all over the court. Weighed in with a statline-filling 15 points, 8 rebounds, 6 assists and 4 steals as the Phoenix made their rise to second in the league on Sunday afternoon.
Last Meeting
December 30th 2025 – B. Braun Sheffield Sharks 101 Cheshire Phoenix 97
Shark Bites
The Sharks and the Phoenix do battle once more on Sunday, this time in the Quarter Final of the SLB Cup. This will be the 13th game between the clubs in less than 16 months. The Sharks have a 7-5 advantage in that time.
The Sharks have won their last 5 home games against the Phoenix, having lost against Cheshire at the Canon Medical Arena on their first 4 visits.
The clubs met at the same stage of the Cup last season with the Sharks winning 92-78. During the Sharks 31 completed seasons, they have met Cheshire 5 times at home in one-off Cup games, winning 4 of them. The Sharks overall record in home one-off Cup games is 19 wins and 9 losses. However, they have lost 4 of the most recent 6 games played.
The Sharks have now made 15 or more 3s in three games this season, the first time that has happened whilst Atiba Lyons has been in charge. The previous three instances before this season were 1st December 2024 (15), 5th December 2010 (15) and 29th November 2009 (also 15).
SharkNation
Are you ready to ‘Defend The Cup?’ Remember that amazing day we had in Nottingham last season when the Sharks claimed the SLB Cup with that outstanding win over Surrey? Well the road to the showpiece final, which is being held in Manchester this time around, starts on Sunday with the visit of Cheshire Phoenix. We’ve had three mind-blowing games with the ‘Nix so far and this one promises to be just as intriguing. You know the drill by now – if you want to see the Sharks lifting the silverware in front of a huge crowd, then you need to head to the ticket link at the top of the page, claim your seat and make sure you are in fine voice. Get behind the guys as we look to make even more unforgettable memories. It’s time to #FearTheFin!
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Josh Rackham
