DBL Sharks Sheffield:

Momentum and focus are both important to the DBL Sharks Sheffield this weekend as they travel south to face Surrey Scorchers, insists head coach Atiba Lyons.

The Sharks face the Scorchers with a season head-to-head at stake while also looking to continue building crucial momentum gained following the dramatic win over ESH Group Eagles Newcastle last weekend.

That win resulted in three Sharks players - Malcolm Riley, Max Guercy and Tony Wroblicky - making the British Basketball League’s weekly ‘All-Star Five’, with captain Mike Tuck making it off the bench.

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And head coach Lyons praised his side’s performance against Newcastle while reiterating the importance of not taking their foot of the gas against eighth placed Surrey.

“I thought fourth quarter we did a great job against Newcastle,” said Lyons.

“Offensively we made shots and defensively we put a lot of energy in and forced Newcastle into some tough shots that thankfully didn’t drop.

“Surrey are fighting for their play off spot and they’ve added some new blood.

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“It’ll be interesting playing them on their home court, they’ve had a string of wins lately and it’s a very athletic and physical team so we’ll need to adjust.”

With Glasgow Rocks facing a tough trip to face Leicester Riders this weekend, the Sharks could move up to third if results go their way - but Lyons said his side are focused purely on their next game rather than thinking about the various permutations.

“I haven’t thought about that,” said Lyons.

“Whatever happens happens. We’ve just got to put together a string of wins – I’ve told the guys we can’t keep going one step forward one step back, we’ve got to keep on it.

“My focus right now is putting back to back wins together and putting games together to keep our focus, because when the play-off times come you’ve got two games per weekend.

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“You’ve got to be ready to bounce back against teams and not get complacent.

“Everybody, especially those teams in 7th and 8th right now has improved and got stronger rosters, so Surrey are a dangerous side to face.”