Sheffield Sharks (27,52,83) 97 - 76 (25,42,52) Cheshire Jets
Top Scorers
Top Scorers
Peterson 24
O'Reilly 22
Phifer 11
Cook 32
Patton 20
Toney 17
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The Sheffield Sharks bounced back from a disappointing performance last weekend in a double overtime 98-89 loss to Marshall MK Lions, to beat the Cheshire Jets tonight 97-76 at home. The Sharks went on an entertaining run in the third quarter, racing from a 52-42 advantage at half time to be up 83-52, a devastating ten minutes where player-coach Atiba Lyons' decision to put out a smaller line up proved to be the right one. Despite the Jets bringing it back to 86-70 with a whole six minutes left in the game, the Sharks outscoring them 31-10 in the third proved too much for Paul Smith's side, as they were never quite able to recover once the Sharks put their starters back on in the fourth quarter.
Sheffield were led once again by the powerful Mike Cook with 32 points, fellow American Ryan Patton shot the lights out for his 20 points, and Tafari Toney rounded out the top three scorers for the Sharks with 17 points. The Jets were led by an impressive performance from rookie point guard Paul Peterson (24 points), Colin O'Reilly had 22 along with 11 rebounds, and Frank Phifer bagged 11 points in a night that Cheshire will want to forget.
Lyons said he could not have asked for a better way for his side to bounce back from last weekend's frustrations, and praised the Jets on their fightback in the second half: 'The Jets made a great run in the fourth, and credit to them for doing so' he said: 'They bought it back to 18 points with six minutes left, so there was definetly everything to play for.'
The 6'6'' Forward is also pleased with the versatility his side displayed tonight, claiming that injuries may have been a blessing in disguise in this sense. He added: 'We went with a smaller line up in the third quarter, with many of our bench players on court, but the injuries we have had already this season mean that we have had to adapt, and I now feel confident with any five players on court.'
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