Dogged Riders are found wanting as Sharks save their best until last

THE river of success in Leicester has overflowed in recent weeks with the Premier League and World Snooker trinkets turning the city into the UK’s sporting capital. The damn was breached when Leicester Riders claimed the British Basketball League title a month ago but with the season-ending BBL Playoff title up for grabs yesterday, there was no addition to the collective torrent of silverware as Sheffield Sharks pulled off a surprise 84-77 victory at The O2 with a commanding final performance.

Mike Tuck, the most valuable player of the showpiece, grabbed a game-high 20 points and 13 rebounds and was instrumental as the Yorkshire outfit saved their very best to last. Trailing at the outset of the fourth quarter, Sheffield were resolute in holding their rivals scoreless for over five minutes during a 14-0 run that swung the momentum decisively in their favour.

Rarely have Riders be found wanting when under pressure this term but they could find no response with Sharks guard Jerrold Brooks hitting eight of his 18 points amid a whirlwind that blew Leicester’s hopes of adding to their league and BBL Trophy conquests out of the water.

“They’ve been so consistent all season and we knew this wouldn’t be easy,” said Tuck, whose side so nearly exited in the semi-finals to Glasgow Rocks seven days before. “We did a good job of putting them on their heels, especially in the second half and slowing down their scorers. I’m so proud.”

Leicester, paced by 17 points from Neil Watson, responded to a 44-43 half-time deficit by closing the third period with a 10-0 run as their potent front line stood tall. But a third-pointer from Brooks put his side ahead for good with 4:16 left and they did not relent.

“They played really well,” conceded Riders coach Rob Paternostro. “We played every game this season that we could possibly play. We went to every final in every competition. The league run-in for us meant we started playoff games in March. Our guys have given it everything but this was one of the days they couldn’t find what they needed.”

The triumph, added Sheffield coach Atiba Lyons, will also boost his club’s ambition to break up the duopoly of Leicester and Newcastle Eagles as they prepare to move into their own 2,500seater arena in 12 months time.

Scotland cap Sarah Thomson helped Team Northumbria upset league champions Nottingham Wildcats 75-68 to lift the WBBL Playoff title.