Sheffield Sharks v Notts Nova

05/12/2009

Springs

Sharks 13 7 11 10 OT 9 (50)

Nova 13 14 13 1 OT 2 (43)

This was always going to be a tough match as Nova were top of the league with 5 wins and 1 loss.

First quarter, Sharks lost the tip but did stop Nova from scoring and Marko expertly drove to basket to net the first 2 points for us. A foul on their number 14 sent him to the line for 2 but could not get them both then the next possession saw number 14 go to the line again and he made 1 of 2. New boy Sam Baines got in on the act with his first national league basket. Nova’s number 8 was creating problems for the Sharks as he netted a 3 pointer. Nova’s number 14, 5 and 8 were the biggest threat during this quarter but our own Marko Backovic was a thorn in their side getting 9 of the 13 points with another basket from Sam Baines. This took the tally to 13 all. Sam VO was playing an important role changing PG position with George and then changing back. It’s good to confuse the opposition.

Second quarter, This was Ross’s turn as he scored 4 points but missed 2 free throws with Sam T getting 1 from 2 from the line, with Marko getting the other 2. Two more 3 pointers from their number 8 gave the advantage to Nova going into half time with the score being 27 – 20

Third quarter. Trailing by 7 the Sharks looked as if the 100% record was over as Nova piled on the pressure putting them up by 12. Baskets from George Marko and Ross made it a 10 point game. The Sharks were looking a bit dejected but a time out was called and words of encouragement from both coaches and some positive attitude from the more experienced players knew the game was not over yet. With the new found confidence George went out and started by hitting a 3 pointer with which the crowd went wild. This was the turning point the Sharks needed as confidence took a boost this took the score to a 9 point difference.

Fourth quarter. Probably the best game of junior basketball seen for a long time as the Sharks Turned up the heat. George got fouled and made 1 from 2. Then straight after promptly hit another massive 3 pointer. With Marko doing an absolute fantastic job on defence as were Sam T and Ross. Marko then drove to basket again for another 2 with Sam T hitting another 2. With the dying seconds Marko took it to the basket for 2 and more importantly the draw to take us to over time. This was a tremendous quarter as the Sharks held Nova to just 1 point.

Overtime.

Nerves were frayed as we started the 3 minutes of over time but it was the dominant Sharks who took charge. Ross missed 2 from 2 but we were keeping the pressure on. Nova’s number 14 made 1 from 2 and with both George and Marko on 4 fouls each they couldn’t risk any more. Novas number 8 also hit 1 from 2. Nova were up by 2 and not long left. Marko got us right back in it with 2 of his own and George missed both shots from the line. Another foul on George sent him straight back to the line but this time he made sure he hit both. Sharks 4 Nova 2. Marko then drove to basket for 2 and the and1 which he made and it was fitting that Marko got the last 2 of the game to seal the fate of Nova.

The determination and confidence of the Sharks saw us through this game, from 12 points down to peg it back to level and then win in overtime was phenomenal.

Scorers,

Marko Backovic (24), George Darling (13 2x3pointers), Ross Cawton (6), Sam Baines (4), Sam Thompson (3)