Sheffield Sharks, top of the table in the SLB Championship, have turned their attention towards the upcoming SLB Cup Round 1.
The Sharks are heading into this away game against the Reading Rockets on Sunday as the more favourable side.
They are undefeated in their last 12 meetings against lower league teams.
Prentiss Nixon stood out for the Sharks in the victory against Surrey 89ers, with an MVP performance as he put up 22 points.
Rodney Chatman also put on an impactful performance with 10 points, seven rebounds, six assists, and one steal.
Rodney Glasgow Jr did not start the game, but his 18 points and 10 rebounds were crucial for Sharks to eventually breeze past their opponents.
A victory against Reading will take Sharks directly to the quarter-finals where they’ll be facing either Nottingham Hoods or Cheshire Phoenix, depending on the result from their tie.
Sheffield Sharks have only ever faced Reading Rockets once before in the club’s history.
In that 2014 match-up, Sharks came out on top with an 85-73 victory.
Reading Rockets have started their season strongly, as they currently sit third in the NBL Division One with a 7-3 record so far, behind Derby Trailblazers and leaders Hemel Storm.
Both Mitch Clarke and Justin Hopkins from Reading Rockets have been in stellar form recently, with Clarke putting up 24 points, two rebounds and six assists in the recent game against Nottingham.
Hopkins got 23 points against them with three boards and assists to round off a good performance.
Victor Olarerin had a smashing performance as well, dishing out 18 points, six rebounds, and six assists.
Reading coach Samit Nuruzade said: “We are thankful that we have been invited into the SLB Cup and we are thankful to be playing one of the most decorated teams in the country in Sheffield.”
“The Sharks have an amazing history and are a top organisation with many good players. It’s good to test ourselves.”
The inaugural Super League Basketball Cup pits nine SLB teams, five NBL Division One teams, and two Scottish Basketball Championship teams against each other in the 16-team tournament.
Unfortunately, there will be no live streaming of this contest, but fans can stay updated with live commentary or watch the game live at Loddon Valley Leisure Centre in Reading.
