Sharks circle the playoff pack with win over Durham

The One Health Sharks Sheffield confirmed their intentions in the jostle for playoff positions with a comprehensive 88-70 win over fellow contenders, the in-form Durham Wildcats at the EIS this evening.

The Sharks fell behind only once in the early stages and went on to produce a scintillating spell of team basketball that confounded an improving Durham side, who had recently swept aside challengers Plymouth.

Starting Fives:

Sharks: Jemison, Tuck, Holmes, Babalola, Williams.
Wildcats: Keister, Guinane, Page, Baldarelli, Bucci.

Sharks forward Demetrius Jemison opened proceedings but points from Page, Guinane and Bucci saw the visitors take a 9-6 lead with 2.46 gone in the opening quarter. That really was as good as it got for the visitors from the north east as Sheffield proceeded to regain their lead and stretch it to comfortable proportions throughout the rest of the fixture. Tuck, Holmes, Williams and Babalola put away steady buckets and saw the Sharks come away with a 23-16 lead at the end of the first period.

The three point shot was to become a feature of this game as Micah Williams opened for the Sharks upon 45 seconds of the restart, with Elderkin retorting twofold. Three back-to-back maximums from a clearly fired-up Williams saw the Sharks move out to a seven point lead that was only compounded by back-to-back triples from promising guard Nick Lewis, one stemming from an outstanding look-away pass by BBL veteran Olu Babalola. 49-34 at the half clearly reflected the Sharks dominance as well as a job well done on ebullient Durham point guard Bucci who remained becalmed for most of the contest.

Keith Page opened the second half for the Wildcats with back to back drives to the basket but Tuck and Jemison maintained the Sheffield lead as the Sharks provided a good mix of scores from in the key as well as from distance; Durham apparently choosing to live or die by the three. Baldarelli finally opened his account with a maximum, added to by Elderkin but Holmes, Tuck and Williams stuck to the Sharks mantra by adding easy buckets as the third closed at 67-51.

By the beginning of the fourth it was Sheffield’s to lose. Page, Guinane and Elderkin all contributed treys in vain as Williams and Holmes added to their burgeoning scores. Particularly impressive was the contribution of Sharks veteran Andrew Bridge who came up with several crucial blocks as well as scores from beyond the perimeter and one impressive fake and change of direction to give the homesters a twenty one point lead at one stage. An Elderkin triple in the final minute was to prove in vain as the score closed at 88-70 on a very accomplished night for Atiba Lyons’ charges seeking confirmation of their end of season playoff berth.

Unsung Sharks forward Demetrius Jemison was understandably happy with such a dominant victory: “It feels great to carry our cup form into the league games,” he began, “we are playing good ball as a team.”

With regards to his own performance, Demetrius was happy to confirm that he is fully “settled in and comfortable” with the plays that coach Lyons is setting out for them.

Jemison was pleased that the Sharks has been able to cement their position in the top eight and that it was “good to try and build momentum into the playoffs.”

Play of the Game:

The impressive fake at the top of the key from the wily Andrew Bridge, who proceeded to leave his man for dead with a sharp turn of direction and the completion of an easy score. The veteran Bridge has certainly found his niche with his hometown team and his vast experience is clear for all to see. The wise old head that guides the Sharks to greater things later in the season?

Game MVP:

Micah Williams had the hot hand for four back to back triples that scorched him to an excellent game-high 26 points with six rebounds and three assists. A trying week for Williams personally due to a family bereavement that made his performance all the more poignant.

Next Up:

One Health Sharks at Jelson Homes DMU Leicester Riders, Loughborough University, 4pm, Sunday 10th February 2013.
Newcastle Eagles at Durham Wildcats, Newton Aycliffe Leisure Centre, 4pm, Sunday 3rd February 2013.