Cook extends Sharks' lead at the summit with 33-point haul

MIKE Cook's virtuoso performance saw Sheffield Sharks move two clear at the summit of the BBL Championship.

The American bagged 33 points as the Sharks beat fourth-placed Marshall MK Lions 104-84 to secure their ninth league victory on the bounce.

EJ Harrison scored 17 for the visitors, but the Lions were always trailing in Sheffield as Tafari Toney contributed with another 19 for the league leaders.

But second-placed Newcastle Eagles will fancy their chances of returning to level points with the Sharks when they visit lowly Essex Pirates on Saturday night.

Elsewhere, Glasgow Rocks strengthened their position in third with an impressive 90-71 victory at Everton Tigers.

Both teams started tentatively in Merseyside with the Rocks leading 37-36 at the half way stage.

But gradually the Scottish side began to take over with player manager Sterling Davis top-scoring on 28 and Jessie Sapp adding another 20 for the visitors.

The Rocks take on the Lions in the pick of Sunday night's BBL Championship fixtures.