Sheffield Sharks beat Surrey 89ers to claim cup

Sheffield Sharks ended their nine-year trophy drought with victory in the SBL Cup final

Sheffield Sharks won the Super League Basketball Cup final with a 105-97 win over Surrey 89ers.

American guard Donovan Clay was named most valuable player after scoring 23 points as the Sharks came back from trailing 51-49 at half-time at Nottingham's Motorpoint Arena.

The success gives the club their first trophy since the BBL play-off title in 2016.

"It feels great, it's been a hell of a journey back to this kind of situation," head coach Atiba Lyons told BBC Radio Sheffield.

"We've been close and had great teams in the past but not got over the line. This team has a resilience and grit that's been amazing.

"We've got a good blend of some mature players, experience and good voices in the locker room and talented guys who make shots. They're a unit."

The Sharks are in second place in the Super League, eight points behind leaders London Lions but with four games in hand.

Lyons, who has been in charge since 2008, said attention would quickly return to the league campaign as they look to add the Championship and play-off silverware.

"We've got to stay alive in the league and it's a dogfight right now at the top," he added.

"I'm focused on the next game. I can't think dynasty until I look back and see what I have done."

Oaklands Wolves beat the Sheffield Hatters 65-51 in the women's SLB Cup final for their first trophy.