Sheffield Sharks qualify for BBL play-offs amid back-to-back overtime wins
Sheffield Sharks secured their BBL play-off spot for a twenty-sixth consecutive season amid back-to-back overtime wins this weekend.
The Sharks needed added time to overcome Bristol Flyers 96-91 on Friday and maintain their record of qualifying for the post-season event in every season since they joined the division in 1994.
That victory also stopped a run of five straight defeats on their travels.
On Sunday, they recovered from 12 points down midway through the fourth quarter at Ponds Forge to force overtime against Worcester Wolves before Antwon Lillard’s three-pointer won the contest for his team in double overtime, with the score finishing 91-88.
Sheffield Sharks had gone 53 games without overtime before a double dose of it over the weekend.
The back-to-back wins move them up to fifth in the BBL with three matches of the regular season left to play. Their record now stands at 14-13 from their 27 league fixtures to date.
Guard Jeremy Hemsley, who was The Sharks’ most valuable player against Bristol with a career-best 30 points, three rebounds and four assists, said: “We didn’t want to be the first team to not make the play-offs in that many years so I think that’s a good accomplishment.
"Our record may not show it but I know that everyone is confident, I have no worries.”
The Sharks, who have struggled for consistency this season, are back in action again next weekend with a third consecutive double-header - this time away to both Surrey Scorchers and Plymouth Raiders.