Sheffield Sharks aim to bow out in style

Sharks host Surrey Scorchers at the EIS Sheffield in Sheffield’s last home BBL playoff preview, as coach Atiba Lyons’ men look to claim their ninth consecutive win over Scorchers, currently the league’s bottom ranked side.

Using a run of four wins out of their past five games, including a comfortable away win against Manchester Giants last weekend, Sharks have risen to third in the league table with only two games to go.

Sharks captain Mike Tuck isn’t so bothered with his side’s finishing position however.

“In my mind it’s not a huge issue where we finish” Tuck said.

“Third place obviously looks better on paper and for us, mentally, it will help.

“But in terms of who we see first round of the Play-Offs it’s not a big issue.”

Sharks could secure a third placed finish if Worcester Wolves lose to Cheshire Phoenix tonight, but Tuck knows that any playoff match-up at this stage is tough.

“They are all good teams but teams we know we can beat” Tuck continued.

“The most important thing is finishing the season strongly with two wins in this last weekend, to bring some momentum into Play-Offs.”

“Surrey are a team whose record does not do them justice in terms of how good a team they are.

“I think that they really evolved and got better throughout the season.

“This is a game where we have to focus because they are out of the Play-Offs they can be dangerous in the fact that they play like they have nothing to lose.

“We need to do a solid job on defence and be consistent on offence.”

Sharks star man Jerrold Brooks has missed Sheffield’s last three games due to injury, but Coach Lyons will hope to have his man back in time for the playoffs and potentially this weekend as the regular season reaches it’s conclusion and the postseason begins.