Sharks and Rocks book place in play-offs

SHEFFIELD Sharks have secured their place in the BBL play-offs, courtesy of a four-point victory over the Scottish Rocks last night.

Sharks ace Chris Sanders top-scored with 22 points, while Rob Yanders picked up 21 for the Rocks - who also confirmed their play-off place, thanks to other results going their way.

Both teams traded baskets early on, but a 7-0 burst from the home side took the score out to 18-13 in the Sharks favour and they did not relinquish the lead from that point onwards.

In the second period the Sharks again took the ascendancy and opened up a 29-20 advantage, but the Rocks kept themselves in touch thanks to four points from Gareth Murray.

Five points from Sanders to close out the third period maintained the home side's slender advantage as they lead 55-50 going into the final quarter.

In the final period the Rocks tried valiantly to get themselves back into the game, and managed to get as close as three points at 65-62 with less than a minute remaining.

Yanders had a chance to take the game into overtime but his long-range effort missed and they were forced to foul Sanders to send him to the line with 1.6 seconds remaining.

Sanders scored one of his two shots at the line to secure the victory for the Sharks and put them in the box seat in the play-off race.

Elsewhere, Andre Smith picked up 38 points for the second game running as Everton Tigers tightened their grip on second place with a 103-97 victory over Cheshire Jets.

That defeat for the Jets means they must be victorious in their final game of the season against Worthing Thunder next weekend to keep their play-off hopes alive.

And Newcastle Eagles continued their excellent run of form, easing to a 77-64 victory over London Capital.