Sharks Seal Back To Back Victories

The Sheffield Sharks jumped four places in the BBL Championship with a dominant 93-77 triumph over the Durham Wildcats in the Northeast to make it two in a row.

Atiba Lyons side have now climbed to fifth in the standings with this impressive result. Sheffield used their inside muscle to power their way to victory. Justin Dobbins collected an outstanding double double of 20 points and 11 boards supported by an equal 20-point performance from partner Mike Tuck. Fred Hinenkamp led the hosts resistance with 19 points.

The teams were deadlocked at 9 in the early stages before Sheffield began to break away. Dobbins sparked a 9-0 burst finishing with scores from Olu Babalola and Tuck for a 15-9 Sharks advantage.

Hinenkamp ended the hosts barren scoring run, and three pointers from Michael Davies and Mike Capocci tied the game once again at 19 by the end of the first period.

The two sides remained even early in the second quarter until the Sharks scored a run of seven points to lead 36-30. A Nate Reinking triple finished the half gaining Sheffield a slender four point lead at the break.

The Sharks increased the intensity in the second half with another seven unanswered points to take their lead into double digits at 50-39 on Dobbin’s three point play. That proved decisive as the period finished 71-57 before Durham made a go of it in the final stanza.

The home side trimmed the deficit to 77-69 with a Ralph Bucci score from outside starting a 9-2 run. Sheffield composed themselves and replied with a 9-2 run of their own to close out the valuable victory.