THE Jets’ BBL Championship hopes were dealt a major blow last night as they went down to the table toppers at the Northgate Arena.
Backcourt duo Ryan Patton and Mike Cook were both in outstanding form as the Sharks moved eight points clear of their hosts, who do have three games in hand.
Patton was unstoppable from beyond the three-point line, draining 10 of his 14 attempts on his way to a team season high of 44 points. The league’s leading scorer, Cook, weighed in with 30.
James Hamilton (24), Chez Marks (21) and Shawn Myers (19) led the scoring for the Jets, who took a four-point advantage into the second period after winning the opening passage of play 31-27.
The visitors, driven on by Patton, hit back to lead 57-43 at half-time before Paul Smith’s side gave themselves hope by taking the third period 31-27 to trim the gap to 10 points with 10 minutes to play.
The Sharks sharpened their teeth, however, and ran out comfortable winners with 10 more points from star of the show Patton.
