Month: January 2025

Charlie Walker - 31st January 2025
Report: Duke Shelton’s infectious energy leads huge win against Bristol Flyers

Leicester Riders took an impressive wire-to-wire win against Bristol Flyers to improve to 10-4 in the Super League Basketball Championship. 

The Riders took a 9-0 lead from the jump and never looked back, leading by as much as 41 points in the fourth. Duke Shelton took Player of the Game honours with a high-energy performance off the bench, resulting in 15 points and 13 rebounds in 20 minutes of action. 

His impact was felt on both ends, as Leicester’s lock down defence was impenetrable for 40 minutes.  Charles Thompson was typically instrumental to this, blocking 2 shots on the night. 

Zach Jackson led the team with 20 points on 9-14 shooting from the field, meanwhile captain Conner Washington scored 10 off the bench, to achieve the milestone of 2000 career Championship points. 

Bristol’s Keddy Johnson led the team with 17 off the bench, battling throughout despite the big deficit. The Flyers shot 31% from the field against the Leicester defence, playing at the end of a packed schedule featuring three games in six days.

Riders roll to hot start

Leicester led with their league-best defence to start the game. The Flyers went scoreless against stifling interior efforts through the first three and a half minutes, as the Riders bolted out to a 9-0 lead. 

Thompson put an exclamation point on the Riders run with a throwdown in transition- his second bucket of the night- forcing a Flyers timeout. 

With leading scorer Keddy Johnson, on the sidelines to start the tie, checking into the game, Bristol made their first buckets. All Flyers starters found the bottom of the bucket with three minutes left in the first, big man Owen Mccormack connecting from deep to make it 16-8. 

Leicester held them at eight, finishing the quarter up 23-15 after Shelton fought his way for a second chance bucket at the hoop. 

Washington milestone highlight of second quarter dominance 

Shelton’s score at the end of the first opened up the basket for the Floridian, who scored twice to start the second half. Washington followed up by putting Desmond Robinson on skates, the Bristol big finding himself in a mismatch as Washington blew by him for an and-one. 

He followed up for an off the dribble three, his 2000th top-flight Championship points, another milestone in his illustrious career. 

Keddy Johnson replied with a three for the Flyers, but it did little to stem the tide as Spencer Johnson then made it 36-21 with a finish for two. J’Raan Brooks then drained his second three of the night and Leicester’s fifth of the game. 

Putting back a Brooks miss from midrange emphatically, slamming it down two-handed, Shelton brought his game tally to 10 points and 7 rebounds, leading Leicester to a 47-29 advantage at the half. 

Leicester plant dagger in the third 

The second half started as the first ended, with the Riders pouring in buckets. Jackson and Riley Abercrombie hit on contested triples, making it 55-31 in a matter of minutes. 

Thompson’s interior dominance continued on the defensive end, his opponents seemingly fearful to pull the trigger against him in the paint. He matched up against former Riders Evan Walshe who tried to take him one-on-one, only to end up in a straight jacket and seeing his shot swatted out of bounds. 

Meanwhile Hunter and Abercrombie went back-to-back for paint scores on the other end. Spencer Johnson brought his game tally to double figures with another three as the hosts piled on the points. 

Jackson made the lead 30 with a minute left in the third, after Thompson battled for an offensive rebound against two Flyers inside. Thompson then finished the quarter at the foul line to make the score 73-45 with one left. 

Young stars cap off big win

Shelton picked up from Thompson in the fourth, banking an and-one then blocking Kendall Lewis to restart the action. Jackson got to work, adding five more to his game log, and Washington got to the line for his eighth points to make it 86-47. 

With 6:21 remaining, young star Victor Ndoukou checked into the game and instantly grabbed an offensive board to set up a pair of Shelton foul shots. Shelton knocked down to make it a 40 point lead. 

Another promising young Rider Seth Wylie stepped into the game and drained a corner three, assisted by Ndoukou, to the delight of the home crowd. 

That was the cherry on the performance- one of the most impressive team wins of the season for Leicester. 

Leicester Riders are back in action next weekend in the Super League Basketball Cup Semi-Final! The two-legged affair starts on Friday, February 7 in Surrey, before returning to Leicester for the second leg on Sunday, February 9 at 3 pm.

You can get tickets to the second leg here!
Preview: Caledonia Gladiators vs Leicester Riders
Read More
Leicester Riders tip off time change vs Cheshire Phoenix
Read More
Report: Riders fall in a close battle in Bristol
Read More
Preview: Bristol Flyers vs Leicester Riders
Read More
Charlie Walker - 30th January 2025
Preview: Leicester Riders vs Bristol Flyers

Leicester Riders are ready to return to Super League Basketball Championship action against Bristol Flyers. 

Leicester, third in the league standings, are riding high after progressing through to the Cup Semi-Final last week, beating Manchester on the road.

Meanwhile the Flyers are in need of a bounce back after losing convincingly in last week’s Trophy Final against Newcastle Eagles. They currently sit eighth, having played significantly fewer league games than their competitors. 

Here’s how the game is shaping up…

Fixture information

Leicester Riders vs Bristol Flyers
Super League Basketball Championship
Mattioli Arena, Leicester
Friday, January 31, 7:30 pm
Get tickets here!

Rested Riders ready to roll

The Riders battled through a packed schedule last week, playing three games in six days and finishing with the Cup Quarter-Final in Manchester. 

Playing a Manchester side coming into the game with 20 days rest. Leicester dug deep down the stretch to hang onto their lead and make it through to the Semi-Final. 

Zach Jackson led an 85-77 win with 18 points, making big plays in the clutch including the game sealing layup. 

Jackson is the Riders’ leading scorer on the season with 16.9 points per game, ranking fifth among all players in the league. 

The Riders haven’t seen action since the Quarter-Final, relishing the opportunity to rest and recover for nine days. 

This game represents an opportunity to move to 10 wins on the season in their pursuit of top spot, against a Flyers team off the back of a heartbreaking Trophy Final loss last week. 

Flyers in need of SLB bounce back

The tables are turned from Leicester’s last fixture, as the well-rested Riders suit up against the Flyers playing their third game in six days.

They fell in convincing fashion last Sunday against Newcastle Eagles in the Trophy Final, losing 97-78 in a game they were out of from the opening period, before travelling to Estonia to take on Keila Coolbet on Tuesday. 

The Flyers re-found form in Estonia, however, battling out an 82-77 win led by 23 points and 8 rebounds from American guard Jared Sherfield. The win meant the Flyers finished their second season in Europe with a record of four wins and four losses, recording a four-game winning streak to round out the group stage.

Bristol are led by the ever dangerous Keddy Johnson on the season, who helps to make Bristol a threat to any opponent. The league’s leading scorer, averaging 23 points per game, is a flashy guard capable of taking over at any moment with lights-out shooting and and elite finishing ability at the rim. 

Johnson endured a difficult night in the Trophy Final, finishing with 9 points on 2-10 shooting from the field. He’ll look to right those wrongs against the Riders, meaning Leicester will have to lock into the dominant American. 

Previous meetings 

These sides are no strangers, having met three times before this season. 

The Riders have emerged victors on each occasion, taking two comfortable wins at home and battling out an overtime victory in Bristol in the Trophy Group Phase. 

Last time out was an 83-74 Riders home win on December 27, led by 20 points from Riders’ leading scorer Jackson. Leicester led 51-37 at half, and despite an attempted Flyers fightback, saw the game out in the fourth to once again take victory against the South Westerners. 

Get tickets here!

Tickets are still available for this game!

You can get yours here!

Preview: Caledonia Gladiators vs Leicester Riders
Read More
Leicester Riders tip off time change vs Cheshire Phoenix
Read More
Report: Riders fall in a close battle in Bristol
Read More
Preview: Bristol Flyers vs Leicester Riders
Read More
Riders Media - 29th January 2025
Statement: Super League Basketball

The SLB shareholders and directors have this morning been formally notified by the British Basketball Federation that it intends to award the long-term license for the men’s professional basketball league in Britain to an external operator from the start of the 2025/26 season.

Whilst we understood that the BBF would impose a process to tender, we have not, at any time been consulted or included in its development even though we were listed as key stakeholders in the tender application process.

The SLB shareholders, directors and all nine clubs remain steadfast in their commitment to SLB, our fans, partners and our employees in providing great experiences and opportunities for basketball at all levels, from grass roots provision to the elite men’s professional game.

As such we will operate the SLB with its continuing success and planned strategic growth but will no longer be under the purview of the BBF.

The SLB clubs are united in this decision and look forward to developing this incredible league for many years to come.

Signed:
Bristol Flyers
Caledonia Gladiators
Cheshire Phoenix
Leicester Riders
London Lions
Manchester Basketball
Newcastle Eagles
Sheffield Sharks
Surrey 89ers
Preview: Caledonia Gladiators vs Leicester Riders
Read More
Leicester Riders tip off time change vs Cheshire Phoenix
Read More
Report: Riders fall in a close battle in Bristol
Read More
Preview: Bristol Flyers vs Leicester Riders
Read More
Charlie Walker - 29th January 2025
“I always wanted to make this my life.” Riley Abercrombie on his journey to realising his professional basketball dream

Riley Abercrombie was 15 when his family moved from his home country of Australia to the other side of the world. 

To most, the life changing move to Houston, Texas, would have been overwhelming. But with the dream of professional basketball at the forefront of his mind, Abercrombie embraced it. 

“Looking back now it seems crazy, but at the time I didn’t think twice about it,” reflected Abercrombie. “I loved that in America there was so much more focus on basketball. I always wanted to make this my life. It was always my determined plan to do this.”

At Clear Lake High School, the Aussie quickly took to life in the States. He helped them to the State Championship Tournament as a senior, averaging 12.4 points and 7.2 rebounds. 

His performances earned him a place on the Boise State Broncos D1 roster as a Freshman in college as he continued on the path towards his dream.

“I loved college. You’re playing an unbelievable amount of basketball and doing so much work. There’s a massive system of people there to help you get better every single day. It’s a basketball player’s dream to be in that type of environment. It was huge for my development as a player and a person.”

Shooter’s mentality- learning to forget

Abercrombie continued to embrace different environments and circumstances throughout collegiate life, transferring from Boise to Rice University, and then to Northern Colorado. 

That allowed him to lean on the expertise of multiple coaches, the experience of a plethora of teammates and the resources of elite sporting institutions. 

He  developed the mentality of an elite shooter, and the key to a short term memory on the court. 

“As a shooter, it’s vital to be able to forget about your last attempt and to keep firing with confidence. That comes naturally to some guys, but to me it didn’t. That affected me early in my career because I care so much about playing well and winning, so misses would impact me so much.”

College basketball allows the opportunity for young players to lean on their more experienced contemporaries. In Abercrombie’s case, it was sharpshooter Justinian Jessup who gave him the key to maintaining a level head throughout a game. 

Jessup played four years at Boise State, averaging 16 points as a senior on 39% shooting from three. His play saw him drafted into the NBA by the Golden State Warriors, and he now suits up for Ratiopharm Ulm in the German Bundesliga, where he scored 11 points per game on 40% three point shooting. 

“Justinian looked like a robot when he shot the ball. Whether it went in or not, he’d have exactly the same reaction all the time, so I was trying to emulate that in my career. I wanted to be a robot who does that same thing every time, and doesn’t get too high or low. It’s made a big impact on my shooting ability. 

“The idea is to get into where you shoot your shot with the right form and live with the result, but it’s hard to battle mentally and get to that every day. When you miss a few in a row you feel yourself start to get frustrated and you have to fight to get back to even keel.”

Abercrombie’s learnings from college are evident as he suits up in Riders red. He hit the dagger against London Lions in Leicester’s last game of 2024, his first three of the game after missing his last six three point attempts. 

“When it comes down to close games, I’m hunting for the ball because I truly believe I can make that shot. Even when I’ve missed a bunch of shots in that game. 

“I said to Jaylin [Hunter] before I hit the shot against London: ‘If you find me, I’ll hit a big one.’ I feel confident in myself in those moments to step up and make plays.”

Dominating down under 

Abercrombie’s confidence didn’t just develop from his collegiate experience. He returned back to his home country in the summer to suit up for the Illawarra Hawks in the NBL 1.

He was asked to carry the scoring load for the first time in his career, and did so emphatically. 

Abercrombie averaged 23.2 points and 7.7 rebounds per game, in a season that featured back-to-back 38 point games, five 30 point outings and six double doubles over 19 games. 

In a confidence sport, Abercrombie’s summer gave him confirmation of his scoring ability. 

“Australia was massive for my game. Going into a team where I had an opportunity to really score the ball and do things I didn’t usually get to do gave me the confidence that I can score at a high level, and do more than spot up and shoot threes. 

“I can play off the dribble, get to the rim, and shoot off the move, so playing there and having the chance to put that into game situations really helped me. 

“I’ve always believed I can do it, but I’d never been put into a position where it had to be me. Being in a place where the coach wanted me to score a bunch to help the team win was great for me. I did what I always believed I could do.”

The bucket got bigger for Abercrombie in Australia. Night after night he put up monster numbers, riding the momentum from his hot hand. 

“Basketball is such a confidence sport. When you’re rolling you’re really rolling. It feels like you’re throwing grapes in the ocean.” 

Landing in Leicester: “We’re in the business of hunting trophies”

Abercrombie brought the confidence built in Illawarra to Leicester, where he hit the ground running to log double digit points nearly every night from the jump. 

It’s been a quick and happy transition for Abercrombie, whose dad lived in Stoke until the age of eight. 

“I don’t think I could have landed in a better spot, with the people in the programme, the coaching staff and teammates that I’ve got. I’ve got really lucky with where I’ve landed and I’m super happy to be here.

“When deciding where to sign, a lot of things pointed towards Leicester. From seeing the way the UK has embraced basketball and how the league has grown, to hearing Coach Rob say a lot of things I liked meant everything lined up. It just made sense.”

This Riders group quickly formed chemistry, going undefeated in the Trophy Group Phase to start the season by playing fluid team basketball. In particular, Abercrombie and Ethan Wright developed a thriving off-court friendship. 

“Ethan’s been great. I hang out with him every single day. We’ve been together all the time since we’ve got here, and he’s got a great perspective on life. He’s a smart guy, and listening to his professional experiences makes me appreciate how lucky we are to be in a great situation here.”

As the second half of the season fast approaches, the Riders look ahead to a momentous Cup Semi-Final matchup against Surrey 89ers in two weeks time.

Leicester, having already suited up in the trophy Semi-Final against Newcastle and falling heartbreakingly short, look to right those wrongs and progress to the Cup Final in Nottingham.

“We’re in the business of hunting trophies this year. We want to win as much as we can and make the most of opportunities, so the Newcastle Semi-Final really hurt us.”

The Cup Semi-Final, like the Trophy, will be contested over two legs- a foreign format for many rookies. The Riders narrowly lost the first leg to Newcastle and tied the second, seeing them fall out of the competition on aggregate. 

“That gave us some experience on how these two legged games work. We drew the second game which is the first time I’ve drawn a game in my basketball life. Now we understand that we need to go to Surrey and put ourselves in a good position to come back home on Sunday and take care of business.

“We want to put ourselves in a position to win trophies and get ourselves to the top of the league. We had a decent start to the year but we haven’t played our best basketball yet and we’re learning more and more about ourselves and each other. 

“I’m definitely looking forward to playing our best basketball the rest of the year and putting ourselves in a position to be one of the best teams in the country.” 

Abercrombie is back in action for the Riders on Friday, as the team takes on Trophy finalists Bristol Flyers in the Super League Basketball Championship.

Secure your seat here!
Preview: Caledonia Gladiators vs Leicester Riders
Read More
Leicester Riders tip off time change vs Cheshire Phoenix
Read More
Report: Riders fall in a close battle in Bristol
Read More
Preview: Bristol Flyers vs Leicester Riders
Read More
Riders Media - 23rd January 2025
Brittany Hodges departs from Riders

Squad Update: Leicester Riders announce the departure of Brittany Hodges from their 2024/25 roster.

The Club have decided to part ways with Hodges, who joined the Riders in the summer.

We would like to extend our thanks to Brittany for her period with the Club as a valued member of our team, and we wish her the best for her future endeavours.
Statement: Super League Basketball
Read More
Supporter information: Loughborough University fireworks display
Read More
Leicester Riders sign Brooke Bigott
Read More
Riders Media - 23rd January 2025
Dates confirmed for SLB Cup Semi-Final

The dates for Leicester Riders’ two-legged SLB Cup Semi-Final have been confirmed.

Leicester Riders have advanced to the SLB Cup Semi-Final after defeating Manchester Basketball on Wednesday to set up a two-legged encounter with Surrey 89ers. 

The winner on aggregate will advance to the SLB Cup Final at the Motorpoint Arena Nottingham on Sunday, March 9, to face either Sheffield Sharks or Bristol Flyers. 

Surrey 89ers will host the first leg at the Surrey Sports Park on Friday, February 7 (7.30 pm tip-off), before the return fixture at Mattioli Arena on Sunday, February 9 (3 pm). 

Please note the SLB Cup semi-final is included for season ticket holders. 

Tickets for the home leg of the SLB Cup Semi-Final are on sale now! Get them here.

SLB CUP SEMI-FINAL DATES

Away Leg – Friday, February 7 (7.30pm tip-off)

Home Leg – Sunday, February 9 (3pm tip-off).
Preview: Caledonia Gladiators vs Leicester Riders
Read More
Leicester Riders tip off time change vs Cheshire Phoenix
Read More
Report: Riders fall in a close battle in Bristol
Read More
Preview: Bristol Flyers vs Leicester Riders
Read More
Riders Media - 23rd January 2025
Fixture Update: Leicester Riders at Caledonia Gladiators

Leicester Riders can confirm a change to our upcoming schedule.

We regret that our SLB Championship fixture against Caledonia Gladiators set to take place on Friday, January 24, 2025 has been postponed.

Red weather warnings have been announced in Scotland due to the incoming Storm Eowyn, therefore the game has been postponed on safety grounds.

A new date for the fixture will be announced in due course.

We appreciate the understanding and support of our fans, and will provide further updates as soon as possible.
Preview: Caledonia Gladiators vs Leicester Riders
Read More
Leicester Riders tip off time change vs Cheshire Phoenix
Read More
Report: Riders fall in a close battle in Bristol
Read More
Preview: Bristol Flyers vs Leicester Riders
Read More
Charlie Walker - 22nd January 2025
Report: Riders through to the Cup Semi-Final after hard-fought win in Manchester

Leicester Riders progressed through to the Super League Basketball Cup Semi-Final, beating Manchester Basketball on the road 85-77. 

The Riders led by as much as 15 in the fourth, but having played three games in six days and playing a Manchester team which hadn’t played in 20 days, they hung on for the win late on tired legs with big plays in the clutch.

Zach Jackson hit the dagger, a floater off the dribble, and led the game with 18 points and 5 assists to earn Player of the Game. Ethan Wright was the spark plug off the bench with 14, pulling down two game-sealing offensive boards and a putback score late in the fourth. 

Charles Thompson continued his interior dominance with 10 points, 8 rebounds and 3 blocks, meanwhile Jaylin Hunter went off for 14 from the point. 

Leicester’s highly touted defence, led by Thompson on the inside, held Manchester’s talented offence to 40% from the field and 27% from three. They were led by Makai Ashton-Langford’s 15. 

The Riders will meet Surrey 89ers over two legs in the Semi-Final, hoping to book their spot in the Final at Motorpoint Arena in Nottingham. 

Back and forth first quarter ends with Leicester lead

The game began with an exchange of threes between two Australian-born sharpshooters, as Riley Abercrombie and DJ Mitchell went back-to-back from deep. Jackson followed Abercrombie with a wide open three after a miscommunication from the Manchester defence, and Leicester led 9-8. 

Thompson made his presence felt against Manchetser’s Nathan Cayo on both ends, backing him down for two then swatting him on the other end as he drove to the hoop. The American rookie then drove baseline for a monster one reverse jam over Mitchell. 

Wright checked in off the bench to inject his energy into the tie, hustling for an offensive rebound and getting two buckets from the midrange. Thompson finished the first by putting back Washington’s three, making it 24-23 by the buzzer. 

Leicester take narrow lead into the half

The game’s back and forth nature continued into the second and Wright and Conner Washington got on the board for Leicester, and Manchester got to the basket for two scores. 

The game remained within a score for five minutes in the second, before Hunter and Spencer Johnson combined for five points to make the score 35-31. But Zak Irvin quickly pegged Leicester back with a fastbreak bucket. 

As Leicester looked to maintain their narrow lead, Jackson showed patience at the rim to make an and-one play. Johnson ran the fastbreak and dished it to the cutting Jackson, who got Junior Madut in the air and finished through contact. 

Jackson finished the half at the foul line, making it a 47-42 Leicester lead at the break. 

Jackson builds Riders’ foundation

The Riders stormed out to their biggest lead of the night out the half, with Hunter and Abercrombie finishing in the paint to make the difference nine. Manchester got to the foul line to chip away, but big shots from Johnson and Jackson kept them at arm’s length. 

Jackson, running in transition, gave Leicester their first double digit lead of the night with a finish over Irvin. After a back-and-forth exchange, Jackson pulled up off the dribble from deep, making it 64-51 and forcing a Manchester timeout. 

Hunter hit a floater out of a timeout as Leicester kept their foot on the pedal with a 7-0 run. But Manchester, through Ashton-Langord on the break and Madut on the third quarter buzzer, cut it to 10 points with one to play. 

Riders hang on to lead late in the fourth

Madut kept it rolling in the fourth with a layup to start the period. He then got to the line next time down, and it was quickly a seven point difference. 

Wright stepped up to stem the momentum with a triple, after he got Madut in the air with a pump fake. After Manchester brought it back to a six point affair with a pair of buckets, Wright drained another three, before Abercrombie found himself wide open to make it 77-63. 

Duke Shelton put an exclamation point on the Riders run, flying down the lane to throw it down with authority.

Again Manchester had a response, as Madut’s three kicked off a 7-0 run which made the score 79-72. Leicester, having played a much busier January schedule than their opponents, dug deep late in the game to hang on. 

Hunter found the energy to make a play, driving inside two a two through traffic. But the hosts went back-to-back for scores to keep chipping away. 

In a five point game, Leicester’s leader stepped up, taking on a one-on-one matchup and getting inside for two. Thompson and Wright then took over on the inside, pulling down four offensive boards to set up a Wright finish inside to seal the hard-fought win. 

The Riders are back in action on Friday, hitting the road again to take on Caledonia Gladiators in the Super League Basketball Championship.

They then return home on January 31 to play Bristol Flyers. You can get your tickets here!
Preview: Caledonia Gladiators vs Leicester Riders
Read More
Leicester Riders tip off time change vs Cheshire Phoenix
Read More
Report: Riders fall in a close battle in Bristol
Read More
Preview: Bristol Flyers vs Leicester Riders
Read More
Charlie Walker - 21st January 2025
SLB Cup Quarter-Final Preview: Leicester Riders vs Manchester Basketball

Leicester Riders are ready to take on Manchester Basketball on the road in the Super League Basketball Cup Quarter-Final. 

Leicester look to bounce back after a road defeat to London Lions on the weekend, meanwhile a well-rested Manchester side suit up for the first time since falling to the Riders on January 10. 

Here’s all you need to know about the game…

Fixture information

Manchester Basketball vs Leicester Riders

Super League Basketball Cup Quarter-Final

National Basketball Performance Centre 

Wednesday, January 22, 7:30 PM

Riders look for response to Sunday’s defeat

Leiecster Riders entered Sunday’s game against London Lions as the League leaders, but lost their spot atop the table with a loss to the Lions. 

The Riders were down by as much as 19 in the second quarter and brought it back to a four point game in the fourth, but the Lions hit big shots late to rebuild their lead and take the win. 

Charles Thompson and Riley Abercrombie, the stars of Friday’s win against Caledonia Gladiators, hit big shots to start the second half to trigger the comeback- Thompson leading the team with 14 come the final buzzer. 

The Riders have won 4 of their last 6 games in the League, and have consistently climbed the standings game week by game week. 

But now they turn their attention to knockout basketball, and the chance to make their second semi-final of the season on the road in Manchester. 

Manchester back home after two game road trip

After a red hot December saw Manchester find form, a 1-2 start to a lightly scheduled January thus far halted the North Westerner’s charge up the standings. 

They fell to Cheshire Phoenix and Leicester Riders on the road, but have hung their hat on their home form so far this season. They went undefeated at home in the League in December, and won their only home game in January against the high-flying Sheffield Sharks. 

They spent their previous two games on the road, therefore they will therefore relish the chance to progress to the SLB Cup Semi-Final by welcoming the Riders to town, but will hope for a different result to the last time they faced Leicester. The Riders won 89-76, Zach Jackson leading the team with 21 points.

Manchester hung in the game until the end of the third, when Abercrombie went off for 13 straight points to blow the game wide open. Nathan Cayo continued his impressive start to life in Manchester by leading the visitors with 16, the top three scorer in the League falling just a point short of his season average. 

Key Matchup

Two Australian-born forwards are set to go head-to-head from the forward position in tomorrow’s game, as Donovan Mitchell and Abercrombie face off.

Both enjoyed productive nights last time these sides played, Mitchell logging 16 points and 8 rebounds while Abercrombie went 15 and 8, including the red hot run it the third to win the game.

Mitchell, who grew up in the United States, has experience in the BNXT League and the Polish league, and like Abercrombie suited up in Australia’s NBL 1. He helped the Gold Coast Rollers win the 2022 NBL1 North championship.

Meanwhile Abercrombie, a first year pro out of the University of North Colorado, played for Illawarra Hawks in the NBL 1, where he averaged 23.2 points and 7.7 rebounds per game. Abercrombie’s season with the Hawks featured back-to-back 38 point games, five 30 point outings and six double doubles over 19 games.

The 6’9″ sharpshooter is rounding into form at the mid point of the season, scoring 26 against Caledonia Gladiators last Friday.

Meanwhile Mitchell has scored in double digits in his last seven league games, setting up an intense head-to-head between the two Australian-born ballers.

Where to watch

This game will be streamed live on DAZN! You can watch it here.
Preview: Caledonia Gladiators vs Leicester Riders
Read More
Leicester Riders tip off time change vs Cheshire Phoenix
Read More
Report: Riders fall in a close battle in Bristol
Read More
Preview: Bristol Flyers vs Leicester Riders
Read More
Charlie Walker - 19th January 2025
Report: Riders fall to London Lions

Leicester Riders fell to London Lions 91-71 on the road in the Super League Basketball Championship.

The Riders, down 19 in the first half, cut into the deficit to make it a four point game in the fourth quarter. But London found form late to see off the attempted Leicester comeback.

Charles Thompson led Leicester with a 14 point double double, sparking the fightback in the third with buckets at the rim. He was backed by 11 points from Ethan Wright off the bench who hit momentum swinging threes throughout.

London’s Sean Flood made key baskets in the fourth quarter to bring the win home for London. He scored 15 off the bench including two triples. Aaryn Rai led the Lions with 17 points and 10 rebounds.

The game sees Leicester lose top spot in the League standings, falling to a 9-4 record.

Duelling out a tightly fought first quarter

London had the best of the opening stages with their interior presence, with Rai leading them to a 10-7 start with two buckets in close. The Riders, who struggled on the offensive boards on Friday against Caledonia Gladiators, suffered the same issues early by giving up four offensive rebounds in the first six minutes.

Leicester, whose leading scorer on the season Zach Jackson took an early seat with two quick fouls, bit back from range, as Spencer Johnson and Wright connected from three. The triples got the Riders in rhythm as they snatched the lead from London.

But veteran forward Ovie Soko found his way to the foul line continually in the opening period on his way to 8 points, and the Lions led 20-19 after one.

Stuckman leads London run in second

London took control of the tie in the second quarter. Soko started the run with another finish inside, and added another five to his tally in a 10-0 start to the period. Tanner Stuckman’s score made it 32-19 to the hosts.

Wright broke the scoring drought with a corner three for his 8th points of the afternoon, but that was met by Stuckman who hit a triple from the wing then a four point play on Thompson. The former Gladiator had 8 in the period.

Thompson fought back on the other end with an and-one play followed by a finish for two to try and inject some momentum into the Riders. They increased the pace in order to get looks earlier in the shot clock, but couldn’t connect frequently enough to chip into the London lead.

The first half ended 49-33, with Thompson scoring the final point of the second at the foul line.

Abercrombie four point play triggers Riders fightback

Riley Abercrombie came gunning out the break with a four point play to cut it to 12. Thompson followed with an and-one, and it was a single digit game one minute into the third.

Despite Soko’s continued aggression at the rim bagging him another 2 points, Leiecster got themselves back into the game, Abercrombie again drawing a foul from behind the line to make the score 52-45.

Ade Adebayo got London back on the rails with success down low. He led a Lions run to put them back up 8. Duke Shelton ended the third at the foul line, and the sides entered the final period with London leading 65-59.

London run up score late

Shelton got the fourth underway at the rim to cut it to four. But Ciaran Sandy’s corner three and a Flood and-one gave London the edge with 7:46 left up 10. Flood weaved his way to the rim next time down the floor for another two, forcing a Riders timeout.

Wright, again, was the one to try and swing momentum back into Leicester’s favour with a three, but Stuckman got to the line next time down to quiet the visitors. Flood hit another three from the wing to make it a 14 point affair.

The Riders kept grinding, but the deficit was too great late in the fourth, and Leicester fell to London for the first time this season.

The Riders return to action on Wednesday for the SLB Cup Quarter-Final on the road to Manchester Basketball.

Preview: Caledonia Gladiators vs Leicester Riders
Read More
Leicester Riders tip off time change vs Cheshire Phoenix
Read More
Report: Riders fall in a close battle in Bristol
Read More
Preview: Bristol Flyers vs Leicester Riders
Read More
Charlie Walker - 18th January 2025
Preview: Leicester Riders at London Lions

Leicester Riders and London Lions are set to engage in a top of the table showdown in the capital tomorrow. 

The 9-3 Riders, who snatched the top spot in the Championship on Friday, will take the floor of the Copper Box Arena to defend their pedestal in first position against the 9-4 London Lions. 

Leicester are undefeated against the reigning British basketball champions in three games so far this season, but face the tallest task so far in this fixture. 

Meanwhile London looks to bounce back from two straight defeats in order to get their season back on the rails. 

Here’s all you need to know about this heavyweight clash…

Fixture information

London Lions vs Leicester Riders
Super League Basketball Championship
Copper Box Arena, London
4 pm

Table topping Riders

An 84-75 home win against Caledonia Gladiators saw the Riders go seven straight home games undefeated, and top of the table for the first time this season. 

After Gladiators’ guards Patrick Whelan and Teddy Okereafor made tough shots throughout the first half, Leicester’s league leading defence locked in to hold Caledonia to 10 points in the third quarter and get out to a lead. 

Charles Thompson’s defensive dominance continued with 3 blocks in the game, and Australian sharpshooter Riley Abercrombie won Player of the Game for the second straight game with a season-high 27 points. 

Abercrombie’s shooting has been the difference in Leicester’s last two games. But like Thompson, his shot swatting has been equally impressive as the team continues to make its name as an intimidating interior presence. 

Leicester head to the Copper Box having won eight of their last nine in the League- but only three of those games were away from home. They’ll look to carry their home form to London to take advantage of a London side which has been struggling for offensive output in their last two appearances. 

Lions in need of bounce back game  

London, who crashed out of the Cup last week to the Surrey 89ers in the Quarter-Final, lost their status as the league leaders by losing to Newcastle Eagles in the North East 74-67. It was a closely contested battle from wire-to-wire against a formidable opponent on the road, but cold deep shooting saw them go 3-17 from deep in the low-scoring affair. 

Sean Flood hit all three off the bench, leading London with 14 points. Their leading scorer on the season, Aaryn Rai, hit big buckets late to keep it a game, but the Trophy Finalists got over the line against the Lions. 

London’s defence kept them in the tie while in the midst of a tough shooting performance. Like Leicester, they’ve leaned on their defence all season to rank third in points allowed per game. Their big man pairing of Jaiden Delaire and Alen Hadzibegovic have been huge contributors to this, combining for 2.9 blocks per outing. 

But offensively, they’ll need the shooters touch at home which went missing on the road last time out should they want to score on the best defence in Super League Basketball. 

Previous meetings

These sides, who shared a Trophy group at the start of the season, have met three times so far with the Riders coming away with a win on each occasion. 

The first meeting was in London, and Leicester dominated with an 89-66 win led by Jaylin Hunter’s 21. 

The second game was a dead rubber at the end of the group, with neither side playing for anything tangible. But Leicester won to go undefeated through the group phase, this time Zach Jackson led the team with 16 in a 76-62 win. 

The most recent meeting was the Riders’ last outing of 2024, and the sides battled out a nail-biter in Leicester. Abercrombie’s late three from the top was the dagger in an 84-75 win, which saw Ethan Wright go off for 21 off the bench. 

Where to watch

The game will be streamed live on DAZN, starting at 3:50 pm.

You can watch it here!
Preview: Caledonia Gladiators vs Leicester Riders
Read More
Leicester Riders tip off time change vs Cheshire Phoenix
Read More
Report: Riders fall in a close battle in Bristol
Read More
Preview: Bristol Flyers vs Leicester Riders
Read More
Charlie Walker - 17th January 2025
Report: Abercrombie season-high earns Riders hard fought win against Gladiators

Leicester Riders battled out for an 85-74 win at home to the Caledonia Gladiators, led by Riley Abercrombie’s season high scoring night.

He went off for 27 points, going 5-8 from three in a red hot shooting night. He and Spencer Johnson went off from deep late, in what was a closely fought contest until the fourth. 

Leicester trailed in the third quarter as Caledonia’s veteran backcourt of Patrick Whelan and Teddy Okereafor hit big shots all night. Whelan played 40 minutes and scored 17, but Trevond Barnes led the visitors off the bench with 22 points in 25 minutes. 

Leicester shot 52% from the field and 46% from three in an efficient offensive display. Zach Jackson backed Abercrombie with 16, and Charles Thompson continued his defensive dominance with 3 blocks and 14 points. 

They went top of the League with the win and London Lions’ loss in Newcastle, ahead of the Riders facing the Lions on the road on Sunday. 

Riders hot start met with Gladiators response

Abercrombie, fresh off his Player of the Game performance last time out, got the Riders going with five points out the gate. He was fouled on a three for a trip to the line, then slammed one down on the break after a Jaylin Hunter steal. 

The Riders were on target early, scoring 10 in three minutes, but the Gladiators kept pace through the sharpshooting veteran Okereafor. He drained two early threes to get Caledonia on the board. 

But Leicester found separation on the scoreboard midway through the first at the foul line. Abercrombie and Jackson attacked the hoop to earn free throws and put the hosts up 16-8. Abercrombie owned the first, scoring 13 in the quarter. 

Caledonia found some form through Trevond Barnes off the bench, who scored 11 in the first 10 minutes. His scoring brought it back to a four points game, as the first ended 27-23 in Leicester’s favour. 

Thompson jam takes Riders lead into half

The Gladiators came back to take the lead early in the second. Patrick Whelan, Okereafor, Theo Hughes and Princeton Onwas got to hoop for four buckets and a 32-28 lead. The Caledonia run forced a Rob Paternostro timeout. 

Ethan Wright turned the tide after the timeout with a stepback three from the wing. Charles Thompson followed up with a finish inside, before Abercrombie hit a fadeaway to snatch the lead back for Leicester. 

But it was a back and forth second quarter, as the visitors responded through Whelan. He hit a tough three for his 12th points, still hot following his career-high 34 points in his last outing. He hit contested buckets all period, at the rim and from range, on his way to 14 by halftime. 

The Gladiators spend much of the second in a defensive zone, forcing the Riders to find answers on the offensive end. And they found success against the zone as the clock ticked towards the half with a barrage of buckets in close. 

Thompson scored four quick points at the hoop, followed by Jackson who again fought to the foul line to take the lead. Thompson ended the half in style, throwing down a two-handed jam, and Leicester led 44-43 at the half. 

Sharpshooting Johnson takes lid off basket

Whelan’s hot hand carried into the second half, as he hit a turnaround three from the wing. Leicester’s defence did step up internally, however, as Abercrombie and Thompson sent away shots emphatically at the rim. 

With Leicester’s league leading defence clicking into gear, it was a low scoring start to the third. The teams combined for five points in as many minutes. The Riders forced two shot clock violations out of their opponents before taking the lid off the basket through Spencer Johnson. 

The American sniper lined up his sights for a triple against Whelan to get the Riders going offensively. He followed up with another three, this time on the fastbreak following Thompson’s third block, to make it 59-51 with 1:23 left in the third. 

Abercrombie ended the third with a tightly contested three, making it 62-53 with one to play. 

Riders see out win despite Gladiators resistance 

Abercrombie and Johnson’s hot hands led to two threes to start the fourth, giving Leicester a platform to see the game out. Wright drove hard to the hoop for an and-one play three minutes in with the Riders having found the keys to unlock the Caledonia zone. 

Barnes kept the Gladiators in contention however, pulling out big baskets throughout the fourth as the difference remained around ten points.

The game hung in the balance with the Caledonia resistance, and Wright and Fraser Malcolm traded threes in the pivotal moment of the game. 

Wright’s energy forced a huge play in the clutch. He missed a three short but battled for the offensive board, then found Abercrombie at the top of the arc who drained a three over the contest. 

Abercrombie’s three blew the game open, as Hunter hit out of a Caledonia timeout, before dishing a lob pass to Thompson who finished for two. That was the final Riders score of the night, who held on for the win.

The Riders are back in action on Sunday, taking on the London Lions at Copper Box in Championship action.

Leicester Riders are back at home on January 31, taking on Bristol Flyers!

Secure your seat here!
Preview: Caledonia Gladiators vs Leicester Riders
Read More
Leicester Riders tip off time change vs Cheshire Phoenix
Read More
Report: Riders fall in a close battle in Bristol
Read More
Preview: Bristol Flyers vs Leicester Riders
Read More
Riders Media - 17th January 2025
Update: Blake Bowman

Leicester Riders Basketball Club can provide the following update regarding Blake Bowman’s injury status.

We regretfully announce that Blake Bowman will miss the remainder of the season due to a knee injury.

Blake sustained the injury during the Riders’ game against Newcastle Eagles on January 3.

After undergoing an MRI scan and evaluation by the Club’s medical staff, the results confirmed that an extended recovery period with the Club will be necessary.

Leicester Riders extends their best wishes to Blake for a speedy and full recovery.
Preview: Caledonia Gladiators vs Leicester Riders
Read More
Leicester Riders tip off time change vs Cheshire Phoenix
Read More
Report: Riders fall in a close battle in Bristol
Read More
Preview: Bristol Flyers vs Leicester Riders
Read More
Charlie Walker - 16th January 2025
Preview: Leicester Riders vs Caledonia Gladiators

Leicester Riders are ready to go head-to-head with Caledonia Gladiators for the first time this season. 

The Riders opposition currently prop up the Super League Basketball standings, but have shown signs of finding form in their previous two fixtures. They will look to rally after recent roster changes have left them with a six man rotation for tomorrow’s action.

With the League’s top three teams all playing at the same time on Friday night, the round of fixtures could see a significant swing at the top of the table.

Here’s all you need to know about the game…

Fixture information

Leicester Riders vs Caledonia Gladiators
Mattioli Arena, Leicester
Super League Basketball Championship
Friday, January 17, 7:30 pm

Riders’ continue to flex their defensive prowess 

Leicester Riders are hunting down London Lions at the top of the Championship standings, moving to within one game of the League leaders with last week’s win against Manchester Basketball. 

They held Manchester’s red hot offence, which averaged 87 points in December, to 76 at the Mattioli Arena, their League-best defence continuing to set the tone in games. 

The Riders blocked seven shots on the night. Charles Thompson, the League leader in blocks, sent away three, and Riley Abercrombie who took home player of the game honours after bagging 13 straight points in the third, had two emphatic rejections. 

The team allows 77.6 points per game, making them the stingiest outfit in the SLB. Their 5.2 blocks per game is the most of all teams, and they close possessions effectively by pulling down 73.74% of their defensive rebounds, again the most in the League.

Leicester come into this game having won seven of the last eight Championship games, and have held their opponents to under 80 points in six of those fixtures. 

Another shot-stuffing defensive performance would go a long way to securing another League win for Leicester, keeping the pressure on the top of the table as we approach the midway point of the season. 

Caledonia look to rally after departures

The Caledonia Gladiators currently sit last in the League standings with a 2-10 record. 

Having already made changes to their roster earlier in the season, seeing the departure of Tanner Struckman who has since signed with London Lions, Ian Budose who now suits up in Manchester and Head Coach Gareth Murray, Caledonia were forced into two more changes with leading scorer Jared Wilson-Frame and Malik Dunbar leaving due to a breach of club discipline. 

With Fahro Alihodzic, Elijah Cain and Prince Onwas sidelined through injury, the Gladiators are set to roll out a six-man rotation for tomorrow’s action. 

They have made additions to the squad throughout the year in the way of the experienced backcourt duo of Teddy Okereafor  and Nick Tomsick, and the hiring of coaching veteran Robbie Peers. 

Unlike the Riders, who enter this tie on a good run of form, Caledonia have lost six of their last seven in the League, despite showing some promise in their last two games. 

They beat Bristol Flyers at home in a low scoring battle, and last time out the Gladiators almost took back-to-back wins for the first time in the League, taking Cheshire Phoenix to overtime. They lost in the extra period 101-98 despite former Rider Patrick Whelan’s incredible 34 points and 8 rebounds, 

They led the game 53-44 at the half, but Larry Austin Jr led Cheshire with 26 points and hit  the shot to send the game to overtime in the clutch. 

Generating offence has been a difficulty for Caledonia all season, leaving them with the fewest points per game in the SLB with 75.3. They hit on only 45% of their field goals and turn the ball over a league-high 17.9 times per outing. 

Taking a short rotation into Leicester, the Gladiators will look to rally together and pull out a hard-fought win against the Riders. 

Where to watch

Tickets are still avaible for tomorrow’s game. You can get them here!

The game will also be available to stream live on DAZN.
Preview: Caledonia Gladiators vs Leicester Riders
Read More
Leicester Riders tip off time change vs Cheshire Phoenix
Read More
Report: Riders fall in a close battle in Bristol
Read More
Preview: Bristol Flyers vs Leicester Riders
Read More
Charlie Walker - 14th January 2025
Conner Washington on the impact of Leicester Riders Foundation’s JNBL programme

The Leicester Riders Foundation (LRF) will host a takeover event at the Leicester Riders game against the Caledonia Gladiators on January 17 to showcase the Leicester Riders’ Junior National Basketball League (JNBL) programme.

The LRF aims to develop young basketball players and inspire future domestic talent, and the JNBL programme provides young people with an introduction to high-performance basketball, and develops essential life skills. 

The programme emphasises development in all aspects, including basketball skills, athleticism, and personal growth. 

Leicester Riders captain and JNBL ambassador Conner Washington actively supports the LRF’s JNBL team by sharing his 12 years of professional expertise and knowledge with the next generation of local talent. 

Conner coaches JNBL sessions weekly and, prior to Friday’s takeover, emphasised the significant impact youth basketball programmes have on the future of the sport in the UK.

“These types of programmes are so important,” said Washington. “When I was coming up, the first structured basketball I was involved in was under 16s. Before that I had to go to the court by myself and play.

“If there was a programme available to me where I could have been developed by coaches and play with kids who were just as excited about basketball as I was when I was younger, I could have improved a lot quicker and given me an interest in the sport at a younger age.”

Representation is essential to inspire a generation of hoopers. It took a visit to Washington’s school in the mid 2000s to invest him in the sport, lighting the spark to what grew into a legendary 12 year pro career. 

“My turning point was when a player called Victor Wayne came to a small school in Bedford when I was young. I wasn’t too involved in basketball at the time, but just seeing him coach a session and knowing he played professionally inspired me. 

“Just knowing there was a professional basketball player in front of me teaching us stuff was mind blowing to me.”

Payne played in the BBL for Milton Keynes Lions between 2000-2004, winning Most Improved Player in 2002. 

Now Washington assumes the role of Payne, inspiring the next generation with the LRF. He aims to be a relatable role model, providing an approachable source of knowledge in basketball and life. 

“It’s great to be able to do the same as what was done for me. The kids come down to the games and we talk about them during the sessions, and they’re always asking for advice on their game. It’s great to give back.

“We are the guys these kids look up to, so we want to give back in whichever way we can. It’s our duty as professionals to these kids who we are role models to, and I try to be an open book for them.

“Of course, there’s a lot of responsibility that comes with that. You have to hold yourself to a high standard when you’re working with people who have not experienced the world and basketball like you have. But to be able to relay your experiences in a way that others can understand is really important. 

“That’s something I take pride in- giving them an authentic piece of my experience from basketball over the years.

“Above everything, I think it’s big for them to see that I can still enjoy the game, no matter who I’m playing with. Basketball brings people together.”

If you want to get involved in basketball with the Leicester Riders Foundation, you can explore a variety of sessions here. 

LRF hosts sessions for those of all ages and abilities from baby ballers to walking basketball, and weekly development days at Mattioli Arena. 

Want to try out for the Riders JNBL team? Keep an eye out for our trial dates on social media below!
Preview: Caledonia Gladiators vs Leicester Riders
Read More
Leicester Riders tip off time change vs Cheshire Phoenix
Read More
Report: Riders fall in a close battle in Bristol
Read More
Preview: Bristol Flyers vs Leicester Riders
Read More
Charlie Walker - 10th January 2025
Report: Leicester Riders beat Manchester through red hot Abercrombie third quarter

Leicester Riders put on an explosive second half display to take an 89-76 win against Manchester Basketball. 

A slow start meant Leicester trailed for much of the first half, but 13 straight points in the third from player of the game Riley Abercrombie including three consecutive triples gave Leicester a commanding lead.

Abercrombie finished the game with 15 points, 8 rebounds and 2 blocks- an impressive display on both ends. Zach Jackson led the scoring with 21, going off for 11 in the fourth, and Charles Thompson continued his dominant run with 14 points, 11 rebounds and 3 blocks. 

Led by Abercrombie’s hot hand, Leicester won the third quarter 28-11 which ultimately proved the difference in the game. Manchester, led by Donovan Micthell’s 16 points and 8 rebounds, battled wire-to-wire and threatened to make a run back into it in the fourth. 

They fell victim to a poor deep shooting night, going 4-17 from three, and lost the rebounding battle 41-32. 

The Riders improve to 8-3 on the season, one win behind the first placed London Lions.

Riders start slow against physical Manchester play

Manchester applied full court pressure from the tip off, guarding the Riders for all 94 feet to make progressing the ball up court difficult. Jaylin Hunter received the brunt of the ball pressure from the point, but coped well to score the host’s first four points. 

The Riders fought to the foul line in a physical first quarter for most of their offensive output. But Manchester’s Nathan Cayo scored six quickly with an and-one and a triple from the top to take a 14-8  lead. 

Leicester tried to garner momentum on the fastbreak as Hunter fired in a bounce pass to Jackson after Duke Shelton forced a miss inside, but the visitors repeatedly found their way to the rim to extend their lead. Marucus Delpeche leaked out after a Riders score to end the quarter, and made one of two to make the score 21-13. 

Riders make it a game by the half

Shelton got the second started in style, throwing down a monster jam through traffic. He took the ball in the pick-and-roll from Conner Washington before rising over and throwing it down one handed.

Ethan Wright and Spencer Johnson followed with buckets, and Shelton put back Wright’s missed triple as the Riders clawed back into it. But Manchester kept Leicester at arm’s length with key shot making in spots throughout the second. 

Mitchell led the team with 10 points midway into the period, hitting a big three to stop the Riders run. 

As the half neared its close, Leicester’s rim protection stepped up for two monster blocks from Charles Thompson, Riley Abercrombie and Johnson. The defensive stands meant the Riders trailed only a possession at the break, with the score 35-38.

Abercrombie heater gives Leicester the lead.

Jackson leveled the score immediately out the break. He pulled up from three with no hesitation to make it 38-38 but despite multiple chances at the hoop on the next few possessions the hosts couldn’t take the lead straight away. 

That was until Thompson stepped up on both ends. He took the ball with his back to the basket for a score before sending Cayo’s dunk attempt away to set up a Hunter transition bucket to give the Riders the lead. 

Leicester’s paint was locked off from their rim protection. Abercrombie sent away his second shot of the game, emphatically blocking Makai Ashton-Langford’s layup. The Riders’ points came on the break after defensive stops, Thompson this time getting to the lane on the breakaway. 

Abercrombie caught a heater to close the third. He drained three straight triples and single handedly built the lead to nine- Leicester’s biggest of the game. He followed up with two scores for 13 straight points for the hosts. 

Thompson joined in on the block party to swat Ian Dubose for the Riders’ sixth block of the matchup. That ended the third with Leicester leading 65-49.

Jackson sees Riders home

Shelton started the fourth with a putback from Jackson’s miss to keep the Riders rolling. But Manchester’s intensity didn’t drop despite a disappointing third- Mitchell draining a three to lead a 7-5 Manchester start to the fourth. 

Jackson connected with his next attempt from three to keep Manchester at a distance on the scoreboard, before Conner Washington hit a signature pullup three to follow his teammate. However Junior Madut made tough shots on the other end to keep his side in contention. 

Dubose then broke out for an open dunk to force a Riders timeout up nine, with Rob Paternstro urging his side to slow the pace of the game late. 

Out of the timeout, Leicester’s leading scorer Jackson took over for back to back buckets at the rim to reestablish the Riders’ control of the matchup. Thompson hit on the buzzer next time down and Leicester led by 14. 

Jackson put the cherry on the performance with a stepback three, putting the result beyond a doubt with his 18th points. 

Rematch on Sunday

Leicester Riders head to Manchester for the second of a doubleheader against the Northwesterners on Sunday. They will face off in the Super League Basketball Quarter-Final at the National Basketball Performance Centre, with Leicester looking to progress to the Final Four. 

The Riders then return to Championship action at home next Friday against the Caledonia Gladiators on January 17. 

The Riders return to Championship action next Friday against the Caledonia Gladiators on January 17.

Get tickets here!
Preview: Caledonia Gladiators vs Leicester Riders
Read More
Leicester Riders tip off time change vs Cheshire Phoenix
Read More
Report: Riders fall in a close battle in Bristol
Read More
Preview: Bristol Flyers vs Leicester Riders
Read More
Charlie Walker - 9th January 2025
Weekend Preview: Leicester Riders vs Manchester Basketball

Leicester Riders are set for their first home game in 2025, taking on Manchester Basketball in the Super League Basketball Championship.

These are two of the in-form teams in British basketball, who both look to bounce back from win streak ending defeats last time out. 

Last weekend, the Riders lost on the road to the Newcastle Eagles to end a six game League winning run, and Manchester fell to Cheshire Phoenix in overtime to end a five game streak in all competitions. 

That leaves the Riders in third place with a 7-3 record, taking on the 4-6 Manchester in sixth. The teams will play each other twice this weekend in the League and the Cup Quarter-Final, the first of those games being played on Friday as the Riders host Manchester in League action, before they head to the North West on Sunday to play in the Cup. 

Here’s how the weekend is shaping up…

Riders run halted in a thriller in Newcastle 

The Riders navigated a congested December schedule emphatically, going on a League run which catapulted them into contention for the top of the Championship standings. But after playing eight games in the month, the Riders ran out of steam for the final action of the festive schedule on January 3. 

They dug deep and fought Newcastle wire-to-wire, earning a shot for the tie after big clutch plays late. But Jaylin Hunter’s halfcourt heave didn’t go down, and the Riders lost 93-90. 

Leicester’s play before that result, in particular back-to-back wins on December 27 and 30 with the latter coming against the League leading London Lions, established them as one of the premiere teams in British basketball. 

Their defence ranks best of all teams, holding opponents to 77.8 points per game. They generate the most assists and turn the ball over the least; they won’t beat themselves while playing their team brand of basketball on both ends. 

Their stars delivered throughout the month of December. Big man Charles Thompson was named the League’s Player of the Month after averaging 14.5 points, 10.6 rebounds and 3.5 blocks per game.

He leads the League in blocks and rebounds per game, while star guard Hunter leads all players in assists with a 7.6 average.

They’ll need every ounce of performance this weekend against a Manchester side who found their groove in December. 

 Manchester find festive form

Manchester are the trending team in Super League Basketball, and heated up in December to pull out a run of five straight wins in all competitions. 

They battled out a win against the second placed Sheffield Sharks, put 106 points on the Phoenix and progressed through to the Cup quarter finals with a win against Hemel Storm. 

Manchester have rolled out one of the most explosive offences in the League over recent games. They scored 87.9 points per game in December, making them the second-highest scoring team on the season behind Cheshire. 

They’re led by Nathan Cayo, who like Thompson was nominated for the December Player of the Month award. The 6’7” former NBA G-Leaguer is putting up 16.4 points and 6.8 rebounds on the season, with impressive double doubles such as his 23 and 11 night against Caledonia Gladiators and 19 and 10 against the Phoenix.

Manchester’s success, like Leicester, comes from free flowing offence, making these two teams the two best ranked in assists per game. However unlike the Riders, they haven’t had the same success in limiting turnovers on the season, giving the ball away 13.4 times per game. 

But the red hot North Westerners, who knock down threes at a 36.6% rate, will need to be met with Leicester’s best defensive effort should they want to add another win to their League tally and progress to their second semi-final of the season on Sunday. 

Last matchup 

The Riders have faced Manchester Basketball once before, taking a 99-86 win in November. 

Riders Riders were a red hot 53% from the field and 43% from three on the game, led by Zach Jackson’s 20 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists. 

Manchester had no answer for Leicester’s free flowing offence, losing the game despite shooting 55% from the field themselves. Cayo led them with 15 points in 29 minutes of action. 

Tickets

Tickets to Friday’s action are avaible here!
Preview: Caledonia Gladiators vs Leicester Riders
Read More
Leicester Riders tip off time change vs Cheshire Phoenix
Read More
Report: Riders fall in a close battle in Bristol
Read More
Preview: Bristol Flyers vs Leicester Riders
Read More
Charlie Walker - 3rd January 2025
Report: Riders narrowly lose in Newcastle

Leicester Riders fell just short in a thrilling battle against Newcastle Eagles, losing 93-90.

The Riders, down 9 in the fourth, pulled the game back to within a possession with a shot to take the lead late. But Newcastle hit tough shots throughout, and despite Leicester forcing the game to be fought until the final buzzer with big shots from Riley Abercrombie and Charles Thompson, they ultimately ran out of clock. 

Zach Jackson led the team with 24 points and 7 rebounds, going 12-12 from the line and making key free throws throughout the final quarter. Abercrombie logged 15, including a clutch three to keep the team alive with 8 seconds left. 

After Newcastle’s Cole Long missed a foul shot which would have put the Eagles up 4, the Riders required a prayer on the buzzer to send it to overtime. Jaylin Hunter fired from halfcourt, but couldn’t get it to go.

Mike Okauru led Newcastle against Leicester for the second straight game, bagging 22 points and getting tough baskets to go in the biggest moments of the tie. As did Seneca Knight, who finished with 21. 

Leicester fall to 7-3 in the League, two wins behind the London Lions who top the table. 

Riders lead through mistake ridden first quarter

A scoreless first minute of play saw the Riders turn it over on their first two possessions, and the Eagles blew two good looks at the rim. Leicester took the lid off with a transition lob pass from Spencer Johnson finished off by Abercrombie, but it was a combined 1-6 start from the field for the teams.

Thompson, fresh off being named the SLB Player of the Month for December, scored 5 of the team’s first 7 with his elite finishing ability in the post. Jackson involved himself early with two trips to the line, including an and-one finish with a floater, and Leicester led 12-11 with 3:44 left in the first. 

The scoring in the period picked up as the clock ticked down. Josh Ward-Hibbert, after putting up 30 last time in Leicester, hit two threes, while Ethan Wright scored five with a coast-to-coast layup and step back three. 

Wright’s triple was the final score of the first, which ended 21-18 to Leicester. 

Thompson takeover gives Leicester lead

Ethan dropped De’Sean Allen-Aikins to start the second, beating him with a spin move and finishing in an open lane. The Riders were relentless in their attack of the rim with Jackson, Abercrombie and Hunter all finding joy in close. 

Newcastle’s Will Neighbour, back in action after being sidelined with injury, hit back-to-back threes to get Newcastle back into it. Knight got to the line with an and-one next time up, and the hosts took the lead back. 

Thompson took advantage of his matchup with Neighbour by backing down in the post, scoring possession after possession inside. He took over the game in the second on both ends, swatting Knight’s layup attempt and forcing a miss from Long on defence. 

His block on Knight led to a Conner Washington triple, meaning Leicester led 44-38 at the half. 

Slow start to the second half puts Riders in a hole

The Eagles stormed back into the lead of the game to start the second half, going 11-0 out of the break. Okauru started it with a triple, and Knight ended it at the foul line after drawing a block on Hunter. 

Jackson was the Rider to end the run, stealing it off Darius Defoe and finishing off on the fastbreak. Thompson then took it coast-to-coast after a missed Long three, meeting no resistance in transition. 

But the Riders’ form only halted Newcastle temporarily. Ward-Hibbert threw down a fastbreak slam through contact, and Okauru hit from midrange to make it a nine point lead for the hosts. 

With Leicester struggling for open shots and the shot clock winding down, Jackson hit a prayer on the buzzer by finding string with a turnaround three. Okauru and Neighbour hit from midrange and the corner respectively, but Wright took it hard to the hole for an and one to keep in touch. 

A back-and-forth end to the third finished with the score 69-60 to the Eagles. 

Eagles hit tough shots to keep Riders at arms length

The Riders started the fourth from the free throw line, with three trips from Jackson and Wright chipping into Leicester’s deficit. Wright’s foul shot made it a six point game two minutes in. 

J’Raan Brooks stepped up for a big shot, making a triple on the wing through contact for a four-point play cutting the game to a possession. 

But Knight had the response for the Eagles. He hit a tough fadeaway over Brooks for two, and hit a contested three from the top to rebuild the Newcastle lead once again. 

Every time the Riders looked likely to climb back into contention, the Eagles hit big shots. Okauru found the bottom of the bucket multiple times through tight contests to keep Leicester at arm’s length. 

Riders rally to give themselves a chance

Jackson stepped up in the closing minutes and hit a midrange pullup on the left elbow brought the Riders back to within one score with two minutes late. Needing a stop to give themselves a chance to tie, Leicester allowed an offensive rebound and a Allen-Aikins second chance bucket to fall back into a five point hole.

Hunter found a quick score in response, but they couldn’t foul on the inbound allowing Long to finish an open layup for two. 

Out of a resulting Rob Peternostro timeout, Abercrombie hit a quick three to breathe life back into Leicester. They sent Okauru to the line, but he made both to make the difference four. 

Thompson got straight to the hoop on the indound and hit a layup straight away with four seconds on the clock. Long  was then sent to the line and made one, giving the Riders an attempt at a miracle buzzer beater. Hunter couldn’t get it to go at halfcourt and Leicester fell just short. 

Leicester Riders return to action next Friday, hosting Manchester Basketball in the SLB Championship. 

Get your tickets here!
Preview: Caledonia Gladiators vs Leicester Riders
Read More
Leicester Riders tip off time change vs Cheshire Phoenix
Read More
Report: Riders fall in a close battle in Bristol
Read More
Preview: Bristol Flyers vs Leicester Riders
Read More
Riders Media - 3rd January 2025
Charles Thompson voted Super League Basketball Player of the Month for December

Leicester Riders’ Charles Thompson has been voted Super League Basketball Molten Player of the Month for December. 

The American center averaged 14.5 points, 10.6 rebounds and 3.5 blocks per game in a dominant month of basketball on both ends of the court. He now leads the League in rebounds with 8.8 per game, and blocks with 3.2 per game. 

Thompson’s jaw dropping stat lines from December include:

  • 18 points, 7 rebounds and 4 blocks vs Surrey 89ers, December 20 
  • 18 points, 11 rebounds and 3 blocks vs Newcastle Eagles, December 22
  • 16 points, 14 rebounds, 6 blocks and 4 assists vs London Lions, December 30

Against Newcastle Eagles on December 15, he achieved the highest index rating without taking a field goal since records began, logging 8 rebounds, 5 blocks and 3 assists in a blowout win. 

He sealed a win against London Lions to close out 2024 with the Riders Play of the Month, sending away Jaiden Delaire’s layup for his sixth block of the game with seconds on the clock. 

His monster jam over Skyler White to start the month was one of the highlights of the season so far, as well as his one-man highlight reel against Surrey when he blocked four shots and threw down two jams. 

Thompson anchors the best defence in the Super League Basketball in Leicester Riders, who are in the midst of a six game league winning streak which has improved their record to 7-2 going into 2025. 

He looks to continue his run of form in January, starting tonight against Newcastle Eagles on the road.
Preview: Caledonia Gladiators vs Leicester Riders
Read More
Leicester Riders tip off time change vs Cheshire Phoenix
Read More
Report: Riders fall in a close battle in Bristol
Read More
Preview: Bristol Flyers vs Leicester Riders
Read More
Charlie Walker - 2nd January 2025
Season series: Leicester Riders vs Newcastle Eagles

Leicester Riders start 2025 with a trip to Newcastle on Friday January 3, taking on the Eagles for the fourth time this season. 

The historic rivals have shared the floor in some of the most enthralling matchups of the inaugural Super League Basketball season, fighting wire-to-wire over two legs in the Trophy semi-final and facing off at the Mattioli Arena in league action. 

Vertu Motors Arena will now host the latest iteration of the tie, with the Riders looking towards the top of the table after six league wins on the bounce. 

Here’s everything you need to know about the season series so far… 

Riders defence 

Despite the season series being tied with a win each, and a tie in the Trophy semi-final second leg, the Riders are winning the matchup by a points difference of 20 after an 89-65 win in the League. 

Leicester held Newcastle to 31% shooting from the field and 14% shooting from three in an impressive performance to continue the Riders’ league winning streak.

The Riders defence has been a defining characteristic of their season so far, allowing the fewest points of any team, but allowed a season-high 95 points in regulation in Newcastle for the Trophy Semi Final first leg. 

The Eagles caught fire from three, shooting 40% from deep behind three triples from Cole Long. However, after allowing 59 in the first half, the Riders solved their defensive puzzle in the second half to come back from 19 points down. 

The Eagles average 83.9 points per game this season, but scored an average of 74 points in their games in Leicester against the League’s leading defence. Have the Riders cracked the code for slowing Newcastle down, or will the Eagles’ find their shooting form on their return to the North East?

Okauru vs Jackson

Newcastle have a top five scorer in their ranks in Mike Okauru, who is putting up 17.6 points per game in the League this season. He showed off the full force of his scoring powers last time out in Leicester with 34 points in the semi-final, leading Newcastle through a nail biting finish. 

The game was a reminder to the Riders of the American guard’s scoring potential, after holding him to 12 points per game in the prior fixtures. He shouldered the scoring load in 37 minutes of action, taking 24 shots, making them at a 60% clip and hitting them from all over the floor. 

Okauru is 53% from the field and 40% from three this season- his best three point shooting season since his Freshman year in college with the Florida Gators. He averaged 18.4 points per game in his rookie year in Czechia, and looks to be in the midst of another high-level scoring season this year. 

Meanwhile the Riders possess their own elite scoring threat, who has enjoyed success against the North Easterners in the season series between these teams. Zach Jackson is averaging 19.3 points per game against the Eagles in his three appearances, scoring 24 to lead a comeback in the first leg of the Trophy Semi-Final. 

Jackson is the Club’s leading scorer on the season with 17 points per game, and has scored double digit points in every game. The biggest moments of the year have seen Jackson step up in the fourth quarter for clutch buckets, including late scores in both Semi-Final legs.

The Riders have one of the most reliable all around performers in British basketball in Jackson, and someone that can go bucket for bucket with anybody in the League. 

Riders suffer slow starts

In both semi-final legs, the Riders were forced to dig themselves out of a sizable hole after starting slowly in the tie. They were down 19 at the half in the first leg after allowing a 38 point second quarter for the Eagles, and down 20 in the second leg going into the final period. 

The first leg saw a second half fightback giving the Riders a shot for the lead in the final minute, and in the second leg the Riders nearly pulled off a miracle fourth quarter comeback to battle their way into the final. But on both occasions they fell short, and fell victim to their slow starts to the games. 

This is something they remedied against London and Bristol after Christmas. Leicester led by 12 in the first period against London last time out, and 14 in the first quarter against Bristol, holding out for the win on both occasions. 

The Riders will look to follow the trend of quick starts against Newcastle, and right the wrongs of the semi-final. 
Preview: Caledonia Gladiators vs Leicester Riders
Read More
Leicester Riders tip off time change vs Cheshire Phoenix
Read More
Report: Riders fall in a close battle in Bristol
Read More
Preview: Bristol Flyers vs Leicester Riders
Read More

2001 - PLAY OFF CHAMPIONS

2001 - CUP WINNERS

2013 - PLAY OFF CHAMPIONS

2013 - LEAGUE CHAMPIONS

2013 - CUP WINNERS

2014 - CUP WINNERS

2016 - LEAGUE CHAMPIONS

2016 - TROPHY WINNERS

2017 - PLAY OFF CHAMPIONS

2017 - LEAGUE CHAMPIONS

2017 - TROPHY WINNERS

2018 - PLAY OFF CHAMPIONS

2018 - LEAGUE CHAMPIONS

2018 - TROPHY WINNERS

2019 - PLAY OFF CHAMPIONS

2021 - LEAGUE CHAMPIONS

2022 - CUP WINNERS

2022 - LEAGUE CHAMPIONS

2022 - PLAY OFF CHAMPIONS

© Leicester Basketball Ltd. 2013-20 - Terms & Conditions - Privacy and Cookies Policy
- Website by fiveorsix
Address: Morningside Arena, 12 Memory Lane, Leicester LE1 3UL