Sharks look to send Wolves packing

BBL Championship

Friday 7^th February 2020

B. Braun Sheffield Sharks v Worcester Wolves

The BBL Cup winners come to town this Friday as the next round of Championship games gets underway. Worcester Wolves, coached by former Leeds Force playcaller Matt Newby, currently sit in a healthy fourth position in the table and present a formidable prospect given that they have already acquired silverware.

What to expect

Five wins and three losses so far for the Midlanders with the highlight of their season so far being the 67-59 win over Bristol Flyers in the Arena Birmingham showpiece two weeks ago. There has been no Cup hangover for the Wolves either. Last weekend they secured a 77-72 win over an increasingly-loaded Newcastle Eagles as well. The effort was shared against the Eagles – Jordan Williams (18), Amir Williams (14), Kofi Josephs (14), Cortez Edwards (14) and Mark Hughes (13) spreading the load and getting the win. And that sums up Newby’s men. It’s very much a team affair with possibly only Amir Williams (18.8 ppg 14.8 rpg) busting the stats as the rest make solid contributions from all over the court. This was very much Newby’s ethos from his time up in Leeds and he now has a greater depth of talent to make it work in Worcester.

Shark Watch

This is an intriguing BBL season to watch. The Sharks impressed, albeit with a few nerves, in taking down the free-scoring Surrey Scorchers by 81-76 last Friday. After a slow start, the Sharks couldn’t quite claw back a 23 point half time deficit and lost out by 83-78 on the road at Cheshire on Sunday. Just three wins separates second placed Glasgow and the ninth placed Sharks – this could be the tightest season yet, especially given that it is now even shorter at just 20 regular season games. The Sharks will look to Connor Cashaw (16.9 ppg) to continue his consistent displays and there will be no arguments if the old warhorse Mike Tuck continues to shoot over 40% from beyond the arc as he did with that clutch play last Friday.

Last time out

Worcester Wolves (Crawford 15 Freeman 13 Prosper 12) 68 B. Braun Sharks (Alexander 21 Williams 19 Marsden 12) 71

Fans Corner

You want excitement? We’ve got it here for you! There were just 9 seconds left on the clock when our skipper Mike Tuck swished the string from downtown to give the Sharks that all-important three point advantage over Surrey last Friday. And we do it all again this Friday! The SharkNation is bringing the noise to every game and we need you to do the same once again. Who knows, you may even get on our ‘dance-cam’ as well! Friday night, in The Tank, it’s the only place to be! Fear the fin!

Next home game

B. Braun Sharks v Worcester Wolves, Friday 7^th February 2020, Ponds Forge International Sports Centre, 7.30pm Tip Off

Ticket Link: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/b-braun-sheffield-sharks-v-worcester-wolves-tickets-78637176913

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Precious Igbebor Omonbude