Sharks put Plymouth to the sword on BBL playoff push
Sheffield Sharks’ playoff hopes gathered momentum with a thoroughly entertaining 82-67 win over high flying Plymouth Raiders in the EIS Blue Hall.
The Sharks claimed seventh place in the table by virtue of a free-flowing display in which the visitors Plymouth, hampered by some injuries to key personnel, also played their part.
Starting Fives
Sharks: Lewis, Babalola, Tuck, Holmes, Jemison.
Raiders: Schneck, Schreiber, O’Reilly, Lasker, Barnett.
Leading scorer Mike Ojo was suited up for the Raiders but was limping demonstrably in the warm-up and his participation was never likely in the fixture. Both teams took their time to adjust to the smaller venue but it was the Sharks’ Nick Lewis with a putback off a BJ Holmes three point attempt who opened the scoring.
Jemison and Holmes inched the Sharks further in front before a Drew Lasker triple announced Plymouth’s arrival into the game. The Raiders clawed their way back into the tie and an Andreas Schreiber score gave them a 16-18 advantage at the end of the first.
Three point shooting became a feature of a wide-open contest and both sides demonstrated this with aplomb in the second period. BJ Holmes and the returning Andrew Bridge opened with triples for the Sharks and big scores from Jamal Williams and Colin O’Reilly proved that Plymouth too were up for the fight. Holmes once again pulled the strings for Sheffield and a Nick Lewis three gave the home side a 42-30 lead after a spell of concerted pressure and expansive basketball. Williams stepped up for the Raiders to keep his side in touch but it was the Sharks who could be rightly pleased with a solid twenty minutes work, going in at 47-40 despite a triple from Lasker in the dying embers of the half.
Another worry for Plymouth was Schneck and O’Reilly running into foul trouble early in the third as did Sheffield skipper Mike Tuck, despite contributing the first 6 points of the half. A Holmes triple from way downtown put the Sharks up by 59-43 midway through the quarter but Schneck, Williams and Lasker once again hauled the Raiders back into game. Schneck received his fourth foul late in the period and a technical for Raiders’ Coach Gavin Love with seconds remaining saw the Sharks go to the line and keep possession. 64-51 going into the final ten minutes and it appeared Sheffield were going to hang on comfortably.
The final period was all about the ‘J’ men. Javarris Barnett closed the deficit with an opening triple as team-mate Jamal Williams narrowed the score to 66-58. The highly-impressive Demetrius Jemison went to work for the Sharks, contributing ten points and putting together another efficient defensive display. Williams would not be deterred for Plymouth, however, and two points from the line saw the deficit closed to seven at 72-65. Buckets from Olu Babalola and that man Jemison reasserted the Sharks dominance and with Plymouth forced into giving fouls, trips to the line for Mike Tuck and Nick Lewis saw the final score run out at 82-67 in favour of the South Yorkshire side.
Following some vital defensive work, Sharks Forward Colin Sing took the time to have a word: “I think they had a few players injured, even Lasker was carrying an injury and that hampered them. That didn’t really matter because we’ve got Micah down and we’ve also had Bridgey down and George (Brownell) with a sickness bug.”
Asked if seventh place was the Sharks’ goal in the playoff shake-up, Colin’s reply was short and sweet, ‘Yes!’
Sing formed part of the Sheffield Hallam University side that defeated Edinburgh in the BUCS Trophy by 78-59 on Tuesday night, along with fellow Sharks Zac Gachette, Nick Lewis and George Brownell: “That was a tough game, the refs didn’t give us anything. We were down by ten points at one point but Zac and George hit some big shots and we gained another Trophy.”
A modest response from the young Liverpudlian, who neglects to mention his part in a highly productive season for both the Sharks and Hallam.
Play of the Game
Closing seconds of the first period and two of the game’s most influential players produce a play that demonstrates their key skills and why the Sharks are building some momentum at a crucial part of the season. BJ Holmes, working the perimeter, looking for that split-second opportunity sees a momentarily-open Demetrius Jemison, who receives the look-away pass and flushes home in great style. Holmes the effervescent visionary, Jemison the quiet workhorse. Contrasting styles but highly complimentary in a Sharks side where every man knows his role and knows that he will be called upon to fill it at some stage.
Game MVP
Demetrius Jemison
Seriously good and half the time you don’t even know he is there! No Hollywood moves, no showboating, just good old-fashioned hard work. Why break the boards when a simple close range hook shot will do? The ball is a constant focus and little else matters. Twenty one points, fourteen rebounds, two blocks, one steal and three assists. That’s the statline of a guy who has been properly involved in a ballgame and then some. Jemison even allowed himself the little luxury of a bit of shake ‘n’ bake before dropping the long two towards the end of this game. Steady on Demetrius, have a word Atiba! Long may it continue.
Next Up
Worcester Wolves at One Health Sharks Sheffield, Friday 22nd March, 7.30pm, EIS Sheffield.
Mersey Tigers at Marjon Plymouth Raiders, Friday 22nd March, 7.30pm, Plymouth Pavilions.
(Image: mphotography.org.uk)
