Holmes Inspires Sharks to Dramatic 2013 Trophy Triumph
On a memorable afternoon in Glasgow, the Sharks defeated the Leicester Riders 71–69 to capture the 2013 BBL Trophy — only the second Trophy title in club history and their first since 1998. Led by an outstanding MVP performance from BJ Holmes, Sheffield produced a disciplined, fearless display to overcome one of the league’s strongest teams and deliver another major honour to the Steel City.
Fast Start from the Underdogs
Coming into the Final, many viewed Leicester as favourites, but from the opening tip the Sharks showed they had no intention of playing the role of outsiders.
Aggressive on both ends of the floor and full of confidence, Sheffield took control early behind the hot shooting of Holmes. The American guard buried three three-pointers in the opening quarter, immediately stretching the Riders defence and energising the Sharks supporters.
The Sharks continued to dictate the pace in the second quarter and established the game’s first double-digit lead when Demetrius Jemison scored his third basket of the period to make it 37–27.
At the other end, Leicester struggled to find rhythm offensively, missing opportunities and turning the ball over at crucial moments. Veteran Great Britain captain Andrew Sullivan helped keep the Riders within touching distance, but Sheffield remained composed and carried their advantage into halftime.
Holmes Delivers on the Big Stage
Leicester gradually fought their way back into the contest during the second half, but every time the Riders threatened, Holmes responded.
Two more three-pointers from the sharpshooting guard in the third quarter kept Sheffield in front and ensured the Sharks maintained control heading into the closing stages.
Still, a Final is never straightforward.
With just 1 minute and 22 seconds remaining, Jorge Calvo tied the game for Leicester, and suddenly the momentum appeared to swing firmly in the Riders’ favour.
But Sheffield refused to panic.
With only eight seconds remaining and the pressure at its absolute peak, Holmes stepped calmly to the free-throw line and knocked down two clutch free throws to edge the Sharks back ahead.
Leicester had one final opportunity, but Sheffield held firm defensively as the buzzer sounded on a dramatic 71–69 victory.
Trophy Final MVP
BJ Holmes delivered one of the great Trophy Final performances in Sharks history:
25 points
5 three-pointers
Trophy Final MVP honours
Supported by:
Demetrius Jemison – 15 points
For Leicester, Jay Cousinard led the Riders with 21 points.
“A Heck of a Shooter”
After the game, victorious Head Coach Atiba Lyons praised Holmes’ performance and admitted he never felt comfortable against such a dangerous Leicester side.
“Not against a team like this. You saw in the cup final that they can make shot after shot when they need to.”
Lyons also paid tribute to Holmes after his record-equalling shooting display:
“He's been struggling a bit but he's a heck of a shooter. He's shot well his whole career so maybe this will get him going again.”
Leicester Head Coach Rob Paternostro acknowledged Sheffield’s quality on the day:
“It was one of those games where we played well in spurts and couldn't really find the right rhythm — but you have to give them credit for that.”
A Special Moment in Sharks History
The 2013 BBL Trophy victory represented more than just silverware.
It marked the arrival of a new era under Atiba Lyons, demonstrated the character and resilience of the squad, and ended a 15-year wait for Trophy success.
For Sharks supporters, it was a reminder that Sheffield basketball belonged among the elite once again.