Cup holders bounce back down to earth in league action
BBL Championship
DBL Sharks Sheffield 83-79 Cheshire Phoenix (22-17, 49-49, 67-59)
Just 5 days after being crowned BBL Cup winners, there was a reality check for Cheshire Phoenix on their return to the BBL Championship as they went down in the Steel City.
While they launched a comeback in the second-half after being down by double-digits at the break, Phoenix were pipped by the hosts as Sharks hung on for an important victory in an exciting conclusion.
Leading scorers – Chris Alexander 27, Tony Wroblicky 16, Marsden 15 (Sharks), May-Thompson 17, Jackman 16, Touray 16.
Turning point – The electric Chris Alexander made an ‘And-1’ play with just over 60 seconds remaining to put his team ahead 79-73 and they certainly need that cushion in a nervy ending.
Key stat – Phoenix tried to light it up from outside with 26 triple attempts, but only converted 6 which was just not enough for that volume.
Game hero(es) – Alexander was on fire and finished with 27 points after going 61% from the field, while Tony Wroblicky did the business in the paint with 16 points and 10 rebounds.