Sharks go way down south in search of fourth win

B. Braun Sheffield Sharks
B. Braun Sheffield Sharks
November 14, 20184:30 PM

BBL Championship

Sunday 18th November 2018

Plymouth Raiders v DBL Sharks Sheffield

The DBL Sharks Sheffield take the 300 mile journey to Devon on Sunday looking for a fourth win on the bounce against Plymouth Raiders. The south-west side are experiencing something of a revival themselves under the guidance of former Worcester Wolves supremo Paul James, winning their last two games to go 4-4 for the season.

What to expect

The Raiders home at Plymouth Pavilions is something of a fortress and it has become even more so since the recent acquisition of former BBL standout Rashad Hassan. The former Leicester Rider and London Lion poured in 27 points on his debut in a 72-77 road win over Glasgow and has buoyed a roster that already had plenty of talent. Donte Nicholas is in his second stint on the south coast and is already averaging 17.6 points per game with 7.6 rebounds and 7.6 assists to underline his danger-man credentials. The appropriately-named Devontavius Payne top-scored with 24 in last week’s 104-78 home success over Manchester, a feat matched by Josh Wilcher, who is pulling the strings for a fourth year in the league. Huge British forward Zak Wells is a considerable presence and there is also the threat from Joonas Jarvelainen, recently sidelined however. The Raiders have also inflicted current leaders London Lions solitary defeat so far, again in their formidable home venue so a testing outing awaits for Atiba Lyons and his men.

Shark Watch

As you were. The Sharks followed up road wins over Worcester and Surrey with a comprehensive 84-66 triumph over Cheshire Phoenix. Again, it was a win that smacked of ‘Sharks basketball,’ with so many valuable contributions across the floor. Chris Alexander led the way with 22 points (60 in the last three games) but there were equally valuable efforts from Dirk Williams (16 points, 5 rebounds, 4 assists), Anthony Collins (10 assists), Matthew Don (10 rebounds), Leslee Smith (7 rebounds) and MVP Rob Marsden (18 points, 9 rebounds). A team display that saw the Sharks ascend to third in the table with the aim of more to come.

Last time out

Plymouth Raiders (Bowman 31, Jarvelainen 14, Matthew 11) 82 DBL Sharks Sheffield (Williams 21, Marsden 18, Gachette 18) 98

Fans Corner

The Sharks take the long journey down to Devon this Sunday before a well-earned two week break to allow for international fixtures. A road trip to Leicester takes place on December 7th before the guys finally return home on December 14th when Newcastle Eagles are the visitors to The Tank. Come along and cheer us into Christmas Sharknation!

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Andy Chubb