Cheshire Phoenix picked up a 103–100 win over B. Braun Sheffield Sharks on Sunday night, delivering a performance built on execution, pressure, and just enough composure when the game tightened late.

It was another evening where Patrick Robinson’s influence extended beyond the box score — the type of display that continues to strengthen the Pat Robinson MVP candidate conversation in Cheshire circles.

A quick rhythm, established early

The opening quarter belonged to Cheshire’s spacing and shot confidence. They edged the first ten minutes 29–26, driven by Frankie Policelli’s hot start from beyond the arc. The forward buried four three-pointers in the opening period, immediately stretching Sheffield’s defence and forcing difficult closeouts.

Those early makes opened the floor, allowing Cheshire to attack gaps and get to the rim with purpose.

Sheffield pushes back, Robinson settles in

Sheffield found their footing in the second quarter, taking the period 31–30 and briefly threatening to swing momentum. Cheshire didn’t rush the response. Instead, Robinson began to assert himself through control rather than volume — drawing fouls, picking his spots, and keeping the offence organised when possessions mattered.

The half closed with a moment of drama as Nick Kern Jr knocked down a three on the buzzer, sending Cheshire into the break with a narrow 59–57 advantage.

Pressure turns into separation

The third quarter proved decisive. Cheshire outscored Sheffield 30–19, lifting their defensive intensity and converting disruption into opportunity. Passing lanes were crowded, ball pressure increased, and turnovers began to follow — many created by pressure rather than unforced mistakes.

That stretch allowed Cheshire to dictate tempo, get into the paint consistently, and maintain control without needing to accelerate unnecessarily. Robinson was central again, orchestrating possessions and ensuring the lead grew without the game becoming rushed.

Late tension, no loss of poise

Sheffield made one final push, winning the fourth quarter 24–14 and dragging the contest into a one-possession game late. Cheshire slowed the pace in the final five minutes, deliberately running the clock and limiting possessions — a contrast to the up-tempo approach that built the lead.

While the margin tightened, the structure didn’t disappear. Cheshire executed just enough down the stretch to close the door.

Policelli’s impact at both ends

Policelli’s night went far beyond his early shooting. He finished with 21 points, but his influence was felt defensively as well, adding nine rebounds and five steals. His activity repeatedly disrupted Sheffield’s flow and helped sustain Cheshire’s energy on both ends of the floor.

Why Pat Robinson’s MVP case keeps growing 

Robinson closed with 30 points and nine assists, continuing a season defined by efficiency in the paint. In league play, he is averaging 19.1 points per game, second in the league to RaeQuan Battle, a league leading 59.1% FG%, 63.9%, on 2 point% and leads the league in made 2 points made and free throws made. This is on a season average of 26 minutes per game.

Since December 7th, that influence has become even clearer. Robinson has averaged over 22 points per game, paired with four assists, while playing just under 27 minutes per game. Crucially, that production has been sustained at elite levels from the field.

Performances like this continue to highlight Pat Robinson as a legitimate MVP candidate, not through volume alone, but through consistency, efficiency, and control. Since December 19th, in all competitions Cheshire have lost just 2 games out of 8. Pat played a total of 16 minutes in one of those losses and missed the other; if that’s not showing his value, then I’m not sure what will.