Sheffield Sharks overcame Plymouth Raiders 93-88 in overtime - spelling the end of Plymouth’s season. The first period saw the Plymouth team go 25-23 up to rock their hosts. Sharks, however, cut the deficit to one point at 30-31 which just over five minutes left of the second period. At the end of the third period, Raiders were 64-55 ahead.

Sharks tied the game at 75-75 with just over three minutes left on the clock. With 59 seconds on the clock, Sharks equalised with two successful shots from the free-throw line which tied the match at 79-79. With 29 seconds left on the game clock, the Raiders bench called a time-out, nobody scored after that and the game went into overtime. Raiders were first to score, Wilcher sinking one of two free throws after being fouled.

Sharks retaliated with two points to edge ahead, then notched three from four free throws to go three points ahead. Benson gave Raiders a lifeline, with one basket from two free-throw attempts and Emile Hopkins tied the score at 83-83 with a timely basket. Sharks crept ahead by a point, but Murray three-point screamer put Raiders ahead, 86-84.

Sheffield got it back to 86-86 with two free throws as nerves became ragged on both sides. The scores were tied again at 88-88 with 47 seconds left and Sheffield kept their nerves enough to take a five-point lead to win the game.

STATS

Scorers: Raiders: Benson 19 points (5/17 field-goals), Hampton 14 (6/9), Elston 13 (5/10), Clarke 13 (5/16), Wilcher 12 (3/9), Murray 7 (3/10), Sayers 5 (2/7), Mockford 3 (1/1), Hopkins 2 (1/1); Sheffield: Lewis 24 (9/15), Cook 21 (9/23), Tuck 13 (6/8)

Leading rebounder: Raiders: Clarke 14; Sheffield: Barber 12

Leader in assists: Raiders: Wilcher 7; Sheffield: Holmes 5

Read more: Plymouth Herald