Sharks go from Rocks to Riches
Starting Fives
Sharks: Williams, Tuck, Sing, Bridge, Daye
Rocks: Davis, Harrison, Robinson, Murray, Achara
A new shareholder, a thirteen point comeback win and passage into the BBL Cup semi-finals; what’s not to like about a dramatic single point home victory that had every spectator on the edge of their seat? Audible sighs of relief echoed around the EIS as Rocks’ EJ Harrison missed the lay-up that would have given his side the single point win and passage into the semi-finals to face the unbeaten Leicester Riders.
Not that the Sharks win was wholly undeserved. Sharks skipper Mike Tuck opened with their initial six points on a run that saw the home side open up a 10-2 lead. 3.48 to play in the first and Coach Atiba Lyons made his way on to the court, suited up to give a valuable presence with fellow big Olu Babalola nursing a heavily-strapped leg. However, persistent scores from Wedemire, Fantazia and Harrison saw the Rocks claw their way back into the fixture to close the quarter up by one point at 14-15.
Honours were relatively even in the second. GB stalwart Kieron Achara began to impose himself on the game, contributing points as well as making his presence felt with a hefty challenge on the Sharks coach but this was tempered by scores from Olu Babalola, a Micah Williams trey and a Gage Daye double from the line as the half closed with the score on 31-34 and everything to play for in the second half.
The Sharks faithful were introduced to new shareholder Karen Child from Clowne in North East Derbyshire at half-time. Mrs Child spoke of her admiration of the community work the Sharks were undertaking and how she was hooked upon attending her first game last season. Karen, an £8.4 million lottery winner in 2007, had invested money into Chesterfield football club for the past five years and would continue to do so along with her contribution to the Sharks. Prophetically, she predicted a Sharks win and how right she proved to be!
The third period belonged to Glasgow’s Kieron Achara. Two ‘and one’ scores, a mighty triple to end the quarter and some immense work under both baskets summed up a tidy ten minutes for the well-schooled forward who is currently on a month-to-month deal with the Rocks. A closing quarter score of 46-59 looked to have virtually booked Glasgow’s passage into the last four and the Sharks appeared dead and buried.
The crowd at the EIS sensed otherwise and immediately got behind the home side following an Olu Babalola opening score. Veterans were to the fore as Andrew Bridge produced an impressive spin under the basket for two and the comeback was well and truly on. Maximums from Gage Daye and Micah Williams reduced the deficit further and two from the line by Mike Tuck saw a single point separate the two sides. Achara ploughed a lone furrow to keep Glasgow in the tie but a Bridge triple gave Sheffield the lead at 68-66 with 3.42 to play on the clock. Another Achara ‘and one’ play saw the Rocks reclaim the advantage at 68-69 but scores from Olu Babalola, now freed of leg strappings, and Micah Williams saw the Sharks force a Rocks timeout with the score at 72-69. A Wedemire score reduced the deficit to a single point as Bridge exited the game with five very well utilised fouls. Glasgow were given possession with just 2.8 seconds left on the clock as an EJ Harrison lay-up was blocked amid scenes of jubilation; the Sharks having claimed their semi-final berth against the Leicester Riders who were 90-74 winners over the London Lions.
Sharks livewire guard Zac Gachette declared himself, “definitely pleased with the win. We’ve had a rough time of it and the win was something we needed.” Before heading into the night to no-doubt do some Long Island sipping, Zac hoped that the Sharks could, “take this win into the league.”
Wise old head Andrew Bridge was similarly pleased with such a difficult win. “It’s been a tough start and it’s nice to get a win. It keeps us going.” Bridge was subject to some rough treatment but was full of praise for the BBL officials thus far in the season. “There were a couple of questionable fouls but the refs have done a good job.” Speaking of his contribution to the game, Andrew continued that, “I sat out a good deal of the first half but that kept me fresh for the second period. The guys stepped up and our season is still alive.” Bridge concluded that, “we are still gunning for the cup, trophy and playoffs.”
Play of the Game
He’s retired! It doesn’t matter! A superlative ball from Coach Lyons for Micah Williams to finish on the alley-oop in the first stanza summed up a never-say-die spirit exhibited by the Sharks all evening long.
Game MVP
Micah Williams…again! 23 points, 7 rebounds, 4 assists and one steal kind of speak for themselves.
Next Up
One Health Sharks Sheffield at Mersey Tigers, Friday 9 November 2012, 7.30pm, Knowsley Leisure & Culture Park.
Worcester Wolves at Glasgow Rocks, Sunday 4 November 2012, 5pm, Emirates Arena, Glasgow.
Photos courtesy of @mtoggs at Mphotography.org.uk