The Day Sheffield Took Over Nottingham – Sharks Crowned 2025 SLB Cup Champions

Thousands of Sheffield supporters travelled across the M1, transforming sections of the arena into a sea of navy and gold. Flags waved from the upper tier, inflatables bounced around the stands, chants echoed throughout the building, and the noise from SharkNation created an atmosphere rarely seen at a British basketball event.

What followed was a thrilling, emotional, high-scoring battle that perfectly captured the drama of a Cup Final.

A Final Played at Full Speed

The Sharks faced a talented Surrey 89ers side in a game that immediately exploded into life.

The opening exchanges were frantic. Surrey struck first through Jalen Ray, but hometown hero Jamell Anderson quickly answered with a huge three-pointer that sparked the Sheffield supporters into life. From there, the two teams traded baskets almost possession for possession.

The Sharks crowd erupted as Prentiss Nixon powered home a one-handed finish before Jordan Ratinho knocked down a trademark triple that brought out his now-famous theme tune from the travelling fans.

Every momentum swing was matched by another huge play. Jacob Groves buried a three-pointer that lifted the upper tier to its feet, while captain Rodney Glasgow Jr. calmly drained a mid-range jumper late in the first quarter as the teams remained locked together at 23–23.

The second quarter continued at a relentless pace. Neither side could create separation as both offences found rhythm and confidence. James Reese V announced himself on the big stage with a huge three-pointer before Mervin James spun through traffic for an and-one finish.

Ratinho again delivered from beyond the arc, while Rickey McGill produced one of his trademark steals to put Sheffield back in front late in the half. However, a clutch three from Mervin James ensured Surrey edged into halftime with a narrow 51–49 advantage.

Sharks Take Control

The game shifted dramatically during the third quarter.

After a tense start to the half, Nixon seized momentum with a huge three-pointer following a Surrey backcourt violation. Moments later, he struck again from deep after excellent work from Donovan Clay, helping the Sharks establish daylight for the first time.

McGill then converted a tough and-one finish through contact to push Sheffield into a double-digit lead, while Reese electrified the arena with a sensational steal and fast-break dunk.

Surrey refused to disappear quietly, with veteran Tayo Ogedengbe knocking down a huge late triple to keep the contest alive, but Nixon remained ice cold from the free-throw line, calmly sinking three straight shots to give Sheffield an 81–72 advantage heading into the final quarter.

The Cup Comes Home

The Sharks smelled silverware.

Early in the fourth quarter, Reese produced another momentum-shifting steal and dunk combination that forced Surrey into a timeout as the Sheffield support sensed history approaching.

Surrey mounted one final push, but every time they threatened, the Sharks responded. Jamell Anderson buried another huge three-pointer before scoring again in front of his hometown crowd as Sheffield edged closer to glory.

With the clock ticking down, Donovan Clay powered home a difficult and-one finish as chants of “Sharks are on fire!” thundered around the arena.

Then came the final moments.

McGill raced coast-to-coast before finding Clay for a dunk that all but sealed the trophy. Seconds later, McGill calmly stepped to the free-throw line and knocked down the final points of the game, raising his arms to the Sheffield faithful as the Sharks secured a famous 105–97 victory.

The celebrations erupted instantly.

Fans stormed the court in unforgettable scenes as players, coaches, staff, and supporters celebrated together in one giant navy-and-gold party.

Cup Final MVP

Donovan Clay was deservedly named MVP after a dominant all-around performance:

• 23 points

• 9 rebounds

• 4 assists

• 2 blocks

He was brilliantly supported by:

• Rickey McGill – 24 points

• Prentiss Nixon – 24 points

Another Historic Chapter

The victory added yet another major honour to the Sharks’ remarkable history and continued one of the club’s most extraordinary traditions — reaching every top-flight Cup Final they have entered for the very first time.

From the electric atmosphere in Nottingham to the unforgettable scenes at the final buzzer, the 2025 SLB Cup Final became more than just another trophy win.

It became the day Sheffield basketball took over Nottingham.

#FearTheFin