Sharks suffer second narrow loss of the weekend

Sunday 29th September 2024

Super League Basketball Trophy Group Stage

B. Braun Sheffield Sharks 79 Cheshire Phoenix 84

It was a frustrating afternoon for the B. Braun Sheffield Sharks as they slipped to a second consecutive five point loss in the Super League Basketball Trophy group stage. The Sharks led by as many as 13 in the first half of the game against Cheshire Phoenix, who got back on level terms in the second before edging in front for the win deep in the final quarter. EC Matthews caught the eye for the Sharks with his 16 points that were matched by rookie forward Makhi Mitchell. However, they must now pick themselves up for an instant re-match with the ‘Nix in Ellesmere Port next Sunday.

Starting Fives

Sharks: Jeffries, Nixon, Anderson, Mitchell, Groves.

Phoenix: Christon, Holden, Clemons, Atwood, White.

Key Moments

The Sharks looked impressive in gaining a ten point first quarter lead. TJ Atwood’s corner three gave Cheshire a 9-11 advantage at the mid-point but the Sharks kicked into life on Jamell Anderson’s three ball at 14-11. A 9-0 zip ended on two Makhi Mitchell baskets but an and-one play from EC Matthews and an Anderson putback on the buzzer gave the hosts an eye-catching 25-15 start.

The lead went out to thirteen as Matthews made a shake and bake triple at 36-23 and everything still looked rosy as Anderson converted from the line at 41-29. A 2-10 run to half time reversed Cheshire’s fortunes however. Skyler White’s corner trey set them on a roll that saw Cam Christon make the last five points to go in at 43-39 at the interval.

The ‘Nix began in much the same vein at the start of the third period. White made the first of four consecutive triples to level matters at 55-55 as the Sharks’ Jacob Groves tried to put his side in front from the top of the key at 61-59. Ricky Clemons took over for Cheshire but the sides couldn’t be separated after thirty minutes – Rodney Glasgow Jr levelling once more on the buzzer at 63-63.

And that theme continued for fully six minutes of the final stanza. Drake Jeffries three for the Sharks was matched by Clemons for the Phoenix before former Plymouth man TJ Atwood made back-to-back triples that edged the North West side in front by 72-78. The final two minutes drew five points from EC Matthews and a vicious jam from Drake Jeffries but all the while, Christon and Clemons maintained the visitors slender advantage. The final thirty seconds saw the Sharks unable to make the necessary baskets or indeed stop the clock as Cheshire dribbled out to a 79-84 victory.

MVP

Once again the Sharks showed plenty of promise but were unable to quite put together a full forty minute performance. Prentiss Nixon dished out 7 assists and there was another mature display from Jamell Anderson, who added 14 points on 5 of 7 shooting. Makhi Mitchell demonstrated his impressive inside game, finishing with 16 points, 5 rebounds, 2 assists, a steal and 3 blocked shots but the Sharks afternoon MVP was EC Matthews. He matched Mitchell’s points tally and looked the man most likely to see the Sharks home with 71% shooting from the field as well as 4 rebounds, 2 assists and a steal.

Next game

Cheshire Phoenix v B. Braun Sheffield Sharks, Sunday 6th October 2024, Cheshire Oaks Arena, Super League Basketball Trophy Group Stage, 5.30pm Tip Off

Image

Adam Bates