BBL Week 4 headlines: Gladiators, Sharks celebrate home openings

By Bradley Gains on October 9, 2023

Image credit: British Basketball League

The 2023-24 British Basketball League season is now four weeks old as the standings begin to take shape.

Seven games took place over the latest weekend with London Lions already opening up a gap at the top and two sides getting off to perfect starts in their new homes.

Gladiators open new arena in style

Caledonia Gladiators opened their new arena in style on Sky Sports as they defeated Surrey Scorchers 86-79 on Thursday evening. Gareth Murray’s side improved to 2-1 in the league with Trent Buttrick – 15 points and 10 rebounds – and Fahro Alihodzic – 13 points and 12 rebounds – posting double-doubles.

Double joy for Flyers

Bristol Flyers put their early season disappointment behind with a successful double-winning weekend to get back to .500 in the league. They began by edging out Sheffield Sharks 67-65 as Tejon Lucas top scored with 16 points including a key and-1 inside the final minute, before dominating South-West rivals Plymouth City Patriots 63-92, despite 30 points and 12 rebounds from TJ Attwood.

Phoenix survive Surrey scare

Cheshire Phoenix came through a high-scoring thriller at Surrey Sports Park as they denied Surrey Scorchers their first win in a 101-103 success. Laquincy Rideau had 27 points and 12 assists, Maceo Jack 26 points and 15 rebounds, and Ethan Chargois scored 25 as the visitors rallied from 11 down without Player of the Month Aaryn Rai.

Meanwhile, it was a tough weekend for Newcastle Eagles following their European heartbreak as they were beaten 85-92 by Leicester Riders on Friday night before suffering a heavy 86-56 loss away at Sheffield two days later as the Sharks enjoyed a perfect start to open their new arena.

London Lions maintained their perfect start to the season by fending off the challenge of Manchester Giants in a 94-89 triumph to move to 6-0 in the regular season as Matt Morgan fired in another 30-point haul.

Results: Gladiators 86-79 Scorchers, Flyers 67-65 Sharks, Eagles 85-92 Riders, Scorchers 101-103 Phoenix, Sharks 86-56 Eagles, Lions 94-89 Giants, Patriots 63-92 Flyers

Standings: Lions 6-0; Riders 3-1; Phoenix 3-2; Flyers, Sharks 3-3, Gladiators 2-1; Eagles 2-3; Giants 1-3, Patriots 1-4; Scorchers 0-4

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