Sharks go hunting the Wolfpack

BBL Championship

Friday 13^th March 2020

Worcester Wolves v B. Braun Sheffield Sharks

The B. Braun Sheffield Sharks have a slightly quieter but no less important weekend ahead of them as they make the journey down to Worcester Wolves on Friday evening. The Sharks, fresh from going 2-0 last weekend against Manchester and Newcastle respectively, face a Wolves side who convincingly took down the Eagles last Friday and pushed the new leaders Glasgow all the way on Sunday.

What to expect

Worcester sit in third place with an 8-5 record in this tightest of leagues where only three losses separate the leaders through to the club in eighth! This is of course a vastly improved Wolves to last season, very much attributable to their Coach Matt Newby. His recruitment has been very astute and his team ethic, a key factor from his time at Leeds Force, is clear for all to see. Averaging a double double is towering forward Amir Williams (15 ppg 11.7 rpg) healthily supported by the Brit talent of namesake Jordan, who puts up 14.3 ppg with 6.8 rpg. Worcester score the ball from a variety of positions, Mark Hughes (14.4 ppg) being another case in point and the three point shooting of another Brit, Kofi Josephs is another key factor. Add in an assist-friendly point guard in Cortez Edwards (6.5 apg) and it is an exciting roster that Newby has assembled. Worcester took down Newcastle last Friday by 95-79 in the North East and went toe-to-toe with new leaders Glasgow Rocks before going down 86-91 in a close-fought thriller on Sunday north of the border. A sell-out is anticipated at the University Arena on Friday, signs that another exciting match-up is on its way!

Shark Watch

A win in Worcester will see the Sharks go 2-0 for the season against the Wolves with an overall 8-5 record. The Sharks found differing ways to win last weekend, both of which were highly satisfactory. Nick Lewis, named to the All Star Five this week, hit his sixth triple out of seven on Friday evening to curtail a late Manchester rally in a 92-80 success. Sunday was a tight affair, only two possessions separating the Sharks from the Newcastle Eagles for the first thirty minutes. It took some ice cold plays down the stretch from the returning Mackey McKnight, as well as the wisdom not to foul on Newcastle’s last play, to close out a 67-66 triumph. Five more games await in the mad month of March but with displays like last weekend, the Sharks certainly have no-one to fear.

Last time out

B. Braun Sharks (Lewis 20 Tuck 14 Cashaw 11) 76 Worcester Wolves (J Williams 15 Hughes 12 Josephs 12) 69

Fans Corner

The guys were so impressed how you filled Ponds Forge last weekend! The Tank really is becoming our fortress and the SharkNation are a huge part of that. After this Friday’s sojourn down to Worcester (watch live and for free on the BBL YouTube channel from 7.30pm!), we have another double header at home when we welcome Cheshire Phoenix (Friday 20^th March) and the league leading Glasgow Rocks (Sunday 22^nd March). Sunday 22^nd March is also Mothers Day so why not bring the most important person in the world to the game with you and enjoy a bit of pre-match hospitality as well – keep checking our social media for details! The Sharks – we’re just one big happy family!

Next home game

B. Braun Sharks v Cheshire Phoenix, Friday 20^th March 2020, Ponds Forge International Sports Centre, 7.30pm Tip Off

Ticket Link: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/b-braun-sheffield-sharks-v-cheshire-phoenix-tickets-90956287705

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Andy Chubb