Sharks tough out first win in Cheshire

Sunday 24th September 2023

British Basketball League Regular Season

Cheshire Phoenix 70 B. Braun Sheffield Sharks 75

The B. Braun Sheffield Sharks toughed out their first win of regular season by 70-75 on the road at Cheshire Phoenix. A 12-26 opening quarter was key to the success as the ‘Nix took the next three but not by a sufficient enough margin to claim victory. The Sharks shot 69% from 3 point territory and were guided by Jalon Pipkins, who led all scorers with 24 points

Starting Fives

Phoenix: Rideau, Jack, Rai, Holden, White.

Sharks: Ramsey, Allen, Pipkins, Ratinho, Koch.

Key Moments

A stellar opening quarter set the tone for a fine Sharks win. Laquincy Rideau took the ‘Nix out to a 3-0 lead but the Sharks went on a 5-20 run that underlined their early dominance. 10 points from Jalon Pipkins fired up the offence as the Texan, along with the returning Kipper Nichols and Jubril Adekoya made it rain threes. Rideau and Aaryn Rai got Cheshire back on the board but a Devearl Ramsey bucket saw the Sharks to a 12-26 advantage.

Cheshire’s policy of living or dying by the three saw them narrow the gap in the second period. Maceo Jack and Skyler White were successful on four attempts but Parker Stewart and Jalon Pipkins replied in kind as the Sharks stayed in front. Kipper Nichols hook shot gave the visitors a 14 point lead at 31-45 but six points from NBL Player of the Season Rai saw the half end at 36-45.

Nine points by an on-fire Pipkins took the Sharks into their biggest lead of the game. His alleyoop on Ramsey’s high assist made it 38-54 but the scoring dried up as the Phoenix went on a 13-4 run of their own. Adekoya broke the spurt but EJ Stephens’ jump shot saw the home side close the gap to seven at 53-60 with ten minutes left to play.

Cheshire claimed the fourth quarter by 17-15 too but sheer persistence allowed the Sharks to hold on for the win. An open Devearl Ramsey triple midway through the quarter looked to have put Atiba Lyons’ men in charge at 60-68 but a 10-4 run by Cheshire, ending on a Maceo Jack basket, left matters far too close for comfort. A Sharks timeout cooled the situation. With 13 seconds remaining, the ball wedged in the rim and with the possession arrow in favour of the Sharks, Jubril Adekoya converted from Terrell Allen’s inbound to make it 70-74. Cheshire’s three point shooting dried up and as they resorted to fouling, Kipper Nichols secured a 70-75 success from the line.

MVP

The Sharks shot 69% from the three point line as opposed to Cheshire’s 34% and allied with some fine defence, took them to a useful opening victory. Jubril Adekoya had a fine all-round game with 9 points, 9 rebounds, 4 assists and a steal. Kipper Nichols made 5 of his 7 shots on his return to the Sharks to finish with 14 timely points. Devearl Ramsey put in another all-action display at both ends of the court. His 18 points, 6 rebounds, 2 assists and 2 steals were a definite contender but the MVP award went the way of Jalon Pipkins. He shot 62% on his way to an athletic and explosive 24 points with 4 rebounds, 1 assist and a block to ensure the Sharks went in the ‘W’ column.

Next game

Surrey Scorchers v B. Braun Sheffield Sharks, Saturday September 30th 2023, Surrey Sports Park, 5pm Tip Off.

Image

Adam Bates