Myers clinches Sharks title Mark Woods
Sheffield Sharks are the 1999 Budweiser League champions, Terrell Myers scoring a last second shot to snap a tie against Manchester Giants for a 85-87 victory at MEN Arena.
The most breathtaking finish to a season possible came in front of a 11,143 crowd in Manchester and the much hyped clash between the top sides in
Britain more than lived up to its star billing.
"It was a fantastic game," said Chris Finch, now the first man to achieve a league title as both player and coach. "It all came down the last shot of the season. It means a lot to me that these guys got what they deserved because they are super individuals."
In the final reckoning, it was American guard Myers who bestrode the occasion, handed the ball from the inbound pass after a double time out just 3.5 seconds from the end. Wriggling free from Giants shackles just inside the three point arc, his flick saw nothing but net and sparked an invasion led by Finch himself.
With eight lead changes in all during the opening three quarters, it was an even game, a three pointer from Iain McKinney handing his side the lead once and for all with 3:32 remaining in the penultimate period.
A further trey from the England international followed by one from captain Todd Cauthorn sent the visitors into the last stanza up 61-66. Their lead grew to 10 points after a long distance score from Michael Payne with six minutes remaining but the hitherto ineffective Tony Holley compiled eight straight points to close the score to 81-83.
With nerves evident on court and fouls mounting up for both benches, Peter Scantlebury - making his 500th career appearance - made one of two from the line but the
excellent Dorsey's pair of free throws with 19 seconds left, took his tally to a game high 29 and evened the match at 85-85.
Myers missed his next shot but blitzed up court to record a block against an open Kevin St. Kitts lay up. With Sharks taking the final inbound, all eyes were on the potential Player of the Year and he did not disappoint, securing the Sharks to their first league title since 1995.
"I told Travis (Conlan) in the huddle to give me the ball and I'd win the game. He gave me it and I kept my word," said Myers who had 21 points. "I was nervous at the beginning but we came out and proved we were the best team this year."
Photos: Mansoor Ahmed
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