Sheffield Sharks secured a dramatic victory in the SBL Cup Final, defeating Surrey 89ers with a final score of 105-97. This win marks the Sharks' first trophy since their BBL play-off title in 2016, ending a nine-year drought.

Key Highlights

• Donovan Clay, the American guard, was named the Most Valuable Player (MVP) after scoring an impressive 23 points.
• The Sharks overcame a halftime deficit of 51-49 to clinch the victory at Nottingham's Motorpoint Arena.

Coach's Perspective

Head coach Atiba Lyons expressed his elation, stating, "It feels great, it's been a hell of a journey back to this kind of situation." Lyons, who has been at the helm since 2008, praised the team's resilience and grit, highlighting the blend of experienced players and young talent.

League Standings

Currently, the Sharks are in second place in the Super League, trailing the London Lions by eight points but with four games in hand. Lyons emphasized the importance of focusing on the upcoming league games to maintain their competitive edge.

Women's SLB Cup Final

In the women's division, Oaklands Wolves claimed their first trophy by defeating Sheffield Hatters with a score of 65-51.

Looking Ahead

With the Cup victory under their belt, the Sharks are now setting their sights on the Championship and play-off silverware, aiming to build on their recent success and establish a dynasty in the league.