Sharks outgun Milton Keynes to return to final
Westfield Sharks Sheffield will return to their hometown Arena on January 9 to defend the Sainsbury's Classic Cola Cup after defeating Milton Keynes Lions 73-67 in the semi-final.
Sheffield however were made to fight for their victory by the underdog visitors who in truth ended up doing more to cause their own downfall than the eventual victors could, missing some crucial foul shots in the final moments.
Sharks coach Chris Finch conceded that it had not been one his team's most memorable performances.
"We didn't play smart, that wasn't the way we normally play out there. Their quickness at times they gave us a lot of trouble," he admitted.
The Lions had the best of the opening exchanges before a 6-0 spurt gave the hometown outfit their first lead after seven minutes of play.
Four straight points from Eric Burks put his side ahead again before a 7-0 Sharks response gave them the advantage for good with 5:50 remaining in the half.
Up 38-33 at the break, Sheffield showed the form which befits the holders, compiling a 13-2 stretch to lead 53-41.Modie Cox and Eric Burks combined to bring Lions back to within five points before Terrell Myers notched consecutive three-pointers to re-open the gap and Lions could not respond.
Myers led all scorers with 24, ahead of Burks on 21.
This season's Final will be the fifth that Sheffield have been involved in over the last six years. However, Finch is not taking success for granted.
Finch added, "We have learned our lesson from the one year we didn't get there, which was a horrible experience. It's tough on the guys mentally, because I think we are expected to get to the final.
"When we get there, we are not just happy to be there - we want to win it. But, a lot of the pressure, having now got there, is off."
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