Sheffield Sharks see off Caledonia Gladiators in home season opener
B.Braun Sheffield Sharks got their season off to a flying start against Caledonia Gladiators
The B.Braun Sheffield Sharks defeated Scottish side, Caledonia Gladiators in an outstanding season opener with a 98-76 point win. The Sharks performance had significantly improved after their pre-season games, especially with the new additions of Prince Onwas and Lu’Cye Patterson.
The Sharks started the game with great momentum and won the tip-off. Both teams started with a great defence and a minute passed with no points until Maceo Jack drew a foul to put the Sharks up 2 points. Adrian Delph put up a 3 point shot to bring the Sharks to 19-10. Lu’Cye Patterson onto the court for the first time and puts up a 2 point shot (21-16). William Lee passed to Maceo Jack for a final 2-point dunk to end the quarter 23-17.
Sharks started the second quarter off with high athleticism straight away having put themselves up to 27-17 after Maceo Jack put up 3-points. With a 10-point gap the Sharks continued to keep up their pace to keep their lead, as Sean Bairstow brought more fire to the game as he put up a 4-point play with a shot down off of the glass (38-23) and two points from the free throw line after being fouled. The Gladiators scored the last points of the quarter but the Sharks led 42-31.
Ly’Cye Patterson was on a roll in his debut game as he put up another two points (54-40) and followed with three points (61-43). A scramble below the basket broke out as Patterson missed a shot but Ratinho managed to get the ball and pass it to Maceo Jack who put up a huge 3 points (64-43). Sean Bairstow put up a 2 point jump shot to close out the Sharks points for that quarter as it ended 71-53.
The Gladiators managed to open the scoring in the final quarter as Fraser Malcom put up 3 points but William Lee followed up closely with 3 points of his own (74-56). A small stumble from Jordan Ratinho as he dropped the ball at one point but quickly recovered and passed it to Prince Onwas who put it up for 2 points (89-71). Maceo Jack closed out the final quarter with a huge 3 point shot to just border the win on triple digits, as the Sharks won 98-76.
Sean Bairstow had an amazing game with 18 points, 2 assists and 1 steal and Adrian Delph also stood out in this game with 21 points, 4 rebounds, 4 assists and 2 steals. Though the MVP award of the night went to Maceo Jack with 25 points, 3 rebounds, 2 assists and 1 steal. Jack was also one of the most reliable players on the court tonight and was creating chances and openings for the Sharks.
The Sharks are next at home on Sunday 11th October against the Leicester Riders at the Canon Medical Arena with tip off at 4pm.