Month: April 2025

Leicester Riders are ready for the final game of the Super League Basketball Championship season.

They look to secure second place with a win against Caledonia Gladiators at home. 

Meanwhile this will be the final game of the season for their Scottish opponents, who are out of the playoff race at the bottom of the table. 

Fixture information

Leicester Riders vs Caledonia Gladiators

Super League Basketball Championship

Mattioli Arena, Leicester

Sunday, April 26, 3 pm

Leicester Riders hope to secure second seed for playoffs

Leicester Riders, after winning in Newcastle on Friday, are 22-9 with one game to play in the Championship. That’s good for second currently, and a win in this one would lock up second place ahead of the SLB Playoffs in May. 

They can fall to third with a Sheffield win and Riders loss, making this battle against the Gladiators pivotal for the postseason bracket. 

Friday was a bounce back win for the Riders in an eventful evening in the North East. Newcastle ended the game with only four players on the court and no Head Coach on the sideline after three players exited through injury, two were fouled out, and Marc Steutel was ejected with two technical fouls. 

Despite the drama, the Riders’ performance was top tier. They played without Zach Jackson, meaning Victor Ndoukou started in his place, and won 106-91 on the road. Spencer Johnson’s career-high 23 points and 8 rebounds led the team, backed by 23 points and 8 assists from Jaylin Hunter.Meanwhile Ndoukou impressed with a 10 point performance. 

The Riders need only one more win to conclude a 6-1 finish to the year and enter the playoffs as one of the in-form outfits in British basketball.

Disappointing season in Scotland for Caledonia Gladiators

Caledonia Gladiators, 7-24 and ninth in the standings, come into this game on a four game slide to end the year.

They went winless through back-to-backs against Bristol Flyers and Sheffield Sharks to rule them out of playoff contention, the losing streak coming after Caledonia appeared to be finding form with a three game winning run. 

Caledonia have played Sheffield tough in the past week over their two games, however. They lost the matchups by a combined seven points, falling by one score in their first matchup and four points in the second. 

The Gladiators led by 10 points in the first quarter last time out, but couldn’t hang on for the win in the fourth in a game that could have secured second place a game early for Leicester.  

Jonny Bunyan, the Gladiators’ midseason coaching hire, has turned Caledonia into an opponent not to be overlooked, despite the Glaswegians falling out of the playoff picture. And with the new found form of Devearl Ramsey, who put up 28 last time out against his former side, the Riders will need to be on good form to round off the Championship season with a win. 

Dear Riders Family,

As we come to the close of what has been one of the most challenging and transformative seasons in our club’s proud history, I wanted to take a moment — on behalf of everyone at the Leicester Riders — to personally thank you for your unwavering support.

This year has tested everyone at the club. The changes and uncertainty across British basketball have been well documented, and it has been a time of transition, not just for the Riders, but for the entire league. Throughout these times, Leicester Riders, alongside the eight other founding clubs of Super League Basketball, have stood united in our shared commitment to bringing the sport we all love to fans across the country, and not get involved in highly speculative initiatives. It has not been easy, and there have been moments of both disruption and doubt, but the product on the basketball court has been at a high level.

We fully understand that these shifts have, at times, left you — our loyal supporters — with unanswered questions and concerns. Through it all, your patience, belief, and passion have been nothing short of inspirational. Whether cheering us on at the Mattioli Arena or backing the team from afar, your presence has made a real difference. You’ve stood with us through the highs and the lows — and that does not go unnoticed.

Our team has also made us proud, in spite of adversity. Rob and his team have delivered a consistent set of performances, and we are hugely grateful to them for their dedication and hard work, with still a number of exciting matches to come.

Basketball in the UK is evolving, and while the road ahead may still present challenges, we remain confident and committed to building something truly special. Your continued support is the fundamental to that vision.

We are pleased to be able to share with you that all season ticket prices for the 2025/26 season will be frozen. We understand that our fans may have some concerns regarding the future of the league, so we hope this announcement and the upcoming details of our season ticket holder benefits will provide some reassurance.

On behalf of the entire Riders organisation — the players, coaches, staff, and board — thank you. We look forward to sharing the next chapter of this journey with you.

With gratitude and respect,

Kevin Routledge
Chairman, Leicester Riders

Leicester Riders took another stride towards the Super League Basketball Championship title, with a 94-90 victory over Cheshire Phoenix.

Duke Shelton’s 21 points, off the bench, spurred the Riders to the win, in what was a gritty, hard fought affair.

Words: Daniel Ajanaku

First Quarter:

The game started off with a fast-paced, efficient start with both sides on fire. Nick Timberlake kicked things off on a fastbreak layup, before Riley Abercrombie got the Riders off with a wing three, igniting a near perfect scoring streak, the next three possessions.

Following that, Phoenix pushed on showing their rhythm, with Skyler White’s transition three and TJ Atwood’s lay-up, stretching the lead to 7-15 and forcing the Riders to regroup with a timeout.

Post-timeout, Zach Jackson and Charles Thompson connected on a pick and roll play, but Phoenix continued the way they began. Leicester’s misreading affected them in the points column, Timberlake’s three and Cameron Holden’s putback helped build the largest lead of 11 points.

Ethan Wright and Shelton brought energy to end the quarter, with their strong offensive rebounding and interior play reducing the deficit. Despite their best efforts off the bench, the Riders struggled, shooting 41%.

Part of Cheshire’s 61% shooting came from White’s buzzer-beating three-pointer, ending the quarter back up 11, as Leicester trailed 18-29.

Second Quarter:

The second quarter saw a more settled Leicester team as they stood determined to eat into the 11-point deficit.

After two good defensive possessions, Jackson found Wright on a dime of a full court pass, as the guard converted the layup.

Phoenix responded through Timberlake’s mid-range shot but the Riders kept pushing. Shelton and Wright continued from where he left off, both causing havoc down low.

The forward did through his thunderous alley-oop slam and draining a three, to decrease Phoenix’s lead to two and increased his tally to 12.

Whilst the guard increased energy with good defensive shifts, hungry for points and providing the necessary spark, as they looked to regain control.

They capitalised on this momentum. Spencer Johnson’s wing three gave Leicester their first lead since early in the first quarter. Despite this it was not safe, with it still being a one-point lead.

The Phoenix worked well to keep the game within arm’s length, with Timberlake racking up his 13^th point through a transition slam, whilst White providing contributions within and beyond the arc, giving them a narrow lead going into halftime, 43-46

Third Quarter:

The third stood in more similar fashion to the start of the first, with both sides trading haymakers of their own, from the line, paint and beyond, creating an increasingly competitive atmosphere.

Phoenix kicked things off in competitive spirit, with Larry Austin Jr scoring, for his 16^th point of the game. While Thompson responded quickly with a layup on the other end, Holden’s involvement on the boards proved crucial, as a putback slam and free throw conversion kept them ahead.

Both sides were giving their all on both sides of the ball, this saw the game in a small period of deadlock before Jaylin Hunter broke it with his wing three, bringing them within three, followed by Shelton’s slam tying it at 58.

Austin Jr continued his effective inside work as he drove the cup for two before Wright hit back with a spin move and layup, keeping the score level.

Plenty of lead changes were witnessed with Abercrombie’s corner three tying things up at 63, before White’s three successful free throws got cancelled out by his steal and game-tying triple.

To cap off this heavyweight of a third quarter, Timberlake’s acrobatic reverse layup was cancelled out by another Shelton and-one, completing the three-point play, giving him 17 points.

Leicester began to smell the blood in the water, as they trailed 69-70, with momentum on their side going into the fourth.

Fourth Quarter:

The Riders came out of the gate, hungry and expectant for the win. Shelton’s relentless presence in the paint, giving him 19 points, and Jackson’s contributions, pushed them in the right direction.

Hunter drained a wing three, causing the crowd to erupt, but Holden responded with a reverse layup. Just as in the third, consistent back and forth remained the story.

Wright’s great defensive shift on White, despite the mismatch, was enough to alter his finish and allow Shelton to finish in transition.

Phoenix duo Holden and Timberlake remained effective, with the latter scoring twice in quick succession taking the lead to 79-83.

Abercrombie momentarily tied the game with a three and later followed it up with another, putting Leicester up by one at 86-85, whilst silencing the duo of Holden and Timberlake.

Down the stretch it was a nerve-racking period for both sides, as free throws continued to fly. With an unsportsmanlike foul on Tyreek Scott-Grayson proving crucial, as Jackson sunk both free throws, making it a two-possession game.

Despite a late Scott-Grayson score, bringing the game within one, Hunter calmly sank his two free throws, when fouled.

Thompson grabbed the biggest rebound of the Riders’ season, off Holden’s missed free throw, capping off a thrilling finish at 90-84.

Shelton’s 21 points, 8 rebounds and single block, won him the TrophiesPlusMedals Player of the Game, steering Leicester further up the climb for the title.

The Riders look to Wednesday, where they will travel to London to face the Lions at the Copper Box Arena, aiming to snatch the title from the hosts with victory. 

In their quest for the title, Leicester Riders continued their strong form as they defeated the Surrey 89ers 91-84, with Spencer Johnson racking up 20 points, in what was a hard fought contest.

Words: Daniel Ajanaku

First Quarter:  Johnson Ignites early momentum, but Surrey Strike Late

The opening quarter delivered a back-and-forth contest with Surrey striking first through a Josh Steel layup.

Riders came into the game looking to attack with Johnson draining three back-to-back triples, giving them a 9-2 lead, and picking up key defensive rebounds to set the tone.

Despite Charles Thompson’s early shooting struggles, Leicester maintained pressure through his and Johnson’s defensive rebounding. Riley Abercrombie added a tough and-one to stretch the lead further.

Surrey battled back, with Cameron Gooden and Dame Adelekun chipping away at the lead. With the Riders shooting 4/15 late in the quarter, Surrey sparked a comeback, beginning with Nedas Cholevinskas making his free throws to tie it at 12.

Ethan Wright responded with a three, whilst Zach Jackson contributed a mid-range bucket, making it 17-14. Dame Adelekun continued to be a problem within 10 feet, keeping the 89ers within reach.

Jaylin Hunter and Wright scored again late but Surrey had the last laugh with Cholevinskas beating the buzzer with his corner three, to end the quarter and level the score at 21-21

Second Quarter: Turnovers Halt Riders’ form as Surrey end with Narrow Lead

The second quarter continued in the same fashion as the first, neck and neck, with neither side able to establish a distinctive advantage.

Despite strong individual plays, including Duke Shelton’s relentless hustle, turning a missed layup into second-chance points and Thompson successfully working the post, Leicester struggled to find consistency with their shot.

This inconsistency trickled into ball security, with a series of four turnovers in quick succession, allowing the 89ers to go on a small run. Gooden converted a transition slam and Jalen Ray turned transition into points, draining a mid-range shot making it 29-33.

Johnson remained the dominant factor, tallying 15 points on 83% shooting by halftime. A technical free throw from Jackson brought the Riders within one, but the Riders couldn’t capitalize on their final possession, heading into halftime narrowly training 40-41.

Third Quarter: Abercrombie’s burst proves crucial

Leicester came out of the half firing gathering momentum starting off with Hunter’s three contributing to a 9-2 run.

Defensively, the Riders went off, hustling on the glass as Thompson made key defensive rebounds, whilst showcasing defensive IQ, forcing turnovers. and preventing multiple Surrey offensive rebounds.

Jackson began to catch fire with a drained triple and a crafty layup, which forced a Surrey timeout. Abercrombie made a late impact, hitting back-to-back threes, including one in transition, to extend the lead to double digits.

However, Surrey would not stay down as James and Adelekun attempted to shrink the lead some more.

Thompson continued to show great fight, closing the quarter with a gritty putback bucket, after multiple rebounds, giving Leicester a 66-58 lead going into the final period.

Fourth Quarter: Composure on Both Ends of the Floor to Close

The fourth continued in close fashion as Gooden started with a three to kickstart a 89ers comeback. He followed up with a reverse layup, before Riders’ guard Hunter jabbed back with a reverse layup of his own, to make it 68-63.

The 89ers continued to apply pressure as Cholevinskas’ three followed by James’ fastbreak layup tied the game at 72, forcing Leicester to run through tactics in their timeout.

The Riders responded with Jackson draining the big corner three to regain the lead. However, Adelekun and James were there to halt momentum and keep it within one possession.

Thompson’s pressure was key once again, with his offensive rebound, spin and composed finish extending the lead 77-74. Despite Gooden, leaving the floor injured, Surrey amped their aggression, with Cholevinskas hitting his second three to tie it up at 79.

The 89ers tried to get the quick bucket and the last say through a James Ray pull up three, but it was not enough to tie the game up

Despite Leicester’s streaky shooting at the line, to start the fourth quarter, they pulled through when it mattered. Within the last 90 seconds, their composure was decisive with Jackson, Thompson and Hunter all converting at the line, icing the game at 91-84.

Johnson’s composed nature on both ends of the floor proved critical, capping off a TrophiesPlusMedals Player of the Game performance, finishing with 20 points and 8 rebounds on 66% shooting and 83% at the line.

With this crucial win, the Riders will look to continue their winning ways as they welcome Cheshire Phoenix to the Mattioli Arena on Sunday.

Leicester Riders continue their late season title charge in the Super League Basketball Championship with a midweek clash against Surrey 89ers. 

These familiar foes have met seven times before this season, and now face off for the final time in the league with major ramifications for both teams. 

The Riders have their eyes set firmly on the top of the table in the final few games of the year, meanwhile the Niners can finish anywhere from fourth to eighth come the end of the season. 

Fixture information

Leicester Riders vs Surrey 89ers

Super League Basketball Championship

Mattioli Arena, Leicester

Thursday, April 17, 7:30 pm

Riders control their own Championship destiny

Leicester Riders dug deep for two monumental displays last game week. 

Friday evening saw them put a significant dent into Sheffield Sharks’ title hopes, winning in overtime with three players out come the final buzzer. It was the team’s first win against Sheffield this season, and it couldn’t have come at a better time.

The Riders then had to travel to Cheshire the next day on tired legs from the extra period played in a battle a day prior. Leicester pulled off an incredible victory on the road led by star guard Jaylin Hunter, making it two wins from two in a back-to-back. 

Meanwhile, London Lions dropped their third straight game on the road to the 89ers, meaning the Riders now control their own destiny in the SLB Championship. Should they win out, they will be crowned champions. 

This will be approached game by game by Rob Paternostro’s side, starting with Surrey 89ers in this fixture. They are not an opponent to be taken lightly. 

Giant killers- Niners continue upset-causing trend

Not only have the Niners pulled off two wins against the league leading Lions this year, they enter this game having won two straight, and got the better of the Riders in the SLB Cup Semi-Final in January. 

Spearheaded by a plethora of scoring threats on the perimeter, namely Cameron Gooden, Mervin James and Jalen Ray, and a dominant big man inside, Dame Adelekun, Surrey’s roster is poised with multiple contenders to go off for game-winning performances every night. 

Adelekun is the league’s leading rebounder, meanwhile James’ 17.7 points per game makes him the fourth highest-scoring player behind the Riders’ Zach Jackson in third. 

The Riders will therefore have to continue their rich vein of form from last weekend in order to capitalise on the opportunity presented to them. 

Tickets still available 

Tickets to this game are still available for £10! You can get them here!

Leicester Riders head to Glasgow for the second time in as many weeks to take on Caledonia Gladiators. 

They are riding the high of keeping their title aspirations alive on Friday night with a crucial win against league leading London Lions, but need to keep the pressure on their rivals from the nation’s capital by stringing wins together. 

This clash, therefore, is vital for Leicester in the final stretch of the season. 

Fixture information

Caledonia Gladiators vs Leicester Riders

Super League Basketball Championship

Playsport Arena, East Kilbride

Sunday, April 6, 4pm 

Riders keep title hopes alive

Leicester Riders, 17-7 in the Super League Basketball Championship, are joint second with Sheffield Sharks, and two losses behind London Lions with eight games to play. 

Games against the Sharks and Lions await them later in the month, allowing Leicester to pile the pressure onto their contemporaries in the final fixtures of the year. 

The Riders proved their status as one of the league’s premiere outfits on Friday with a wire-to-wire win against London. A low-scoring first half was battled out with the Riders’ elite defensive prowess, before the third quarter saw Leicester explode from three point land. 

They led by 18 in the fourth, and despite a late London surge which cut the difference to four, Leicester survived through a Zach Jackson dagger to take the win. 

Led by 7 blocks from the league’s leader in rejections Charles Thompson, Leicester held the Lions to 70 points- 16 less than their season average. 

Following the game, Head Coach Rob Paternostro tipped his hat to the American centre. 

“From start to finish we were committed to defence. We did a really good job on that end, and Charles’ shot blocking was exceptional. 

“He’s been that player from start to finish this year. He’s able to cure the mistake with his ability at the rim. But to be honest- all the guys were able to make an impact on that end of the floor.”

Now, Leicester turn their attention northwards, to a Gladiators side that has already knocked off one of the top three in recent weeks. 

Giant killers Caledonia set their sights on Leicester

The Caledonia Gladiators, like Leicester, are brimming with confidence going into this tie after a momentous win on the road against Sheffield Sharks midweek. 

They won 81-74 led by 20 from Jett Speelman, duelling out a one score game in the final minutes. A Speelman triple making it a four point Caledonia advantage with 1:34 on the clock. 

That brought their record to 5-20 on the season with an outside shot of making the postseason come the end of the month. They’re three more wins from joining Bristol Flyers and Surrey 89ers in a fight for the final playoff place. 

Since the arrival of new Head Coach and former player Jonny Bunyan, Caldedonia have been competitive in games, and are beginning to add to the win column. But Leicester left Scotland with a win after their visit to the Playsport Arena last weekend. 

A big fourth quarter, which Leicester won 25-10, saw the visitors win the tie by 22 led by 23 points from Zach Jackson. The Riders were at their brilliant best in the second half, holding their opponents to 39.1% from the field on the night. 

But with danger men on the Glads’ roster, such as former Rider Patrick Whelan who leads the team with 14.8 points per game, and a proven ability to get one over on the league’s best, Leicester will need to continue their hot form to follow up Friday’s win. 

Where to watch

This game will be stream live on DAZN! You can watch it here!

Leicester Riders held on to take a crucial 80-71 home win against the league leading London Lions in the Super League Basketball Championship. 

Leicester led from wire-to-wire, and were up as much as 18 points in the fourth. A late London run put a scare into Leicester, but they held on with a dagger from Zach Jackson to keep their Championship hopes alive. 

Jackson led the game with 17 points- his three over Terrell Holloway putting Leicester up seven with 25 seconds remaining. 

Ethan Wright backed Jackson with 15 off the bench, and Charles Thompson continued his defensive dominance as the league’s block leader, sending away seven shots on the night to earn Player of the Game honours. 

It was a slow start for offence on both ends. The sides combined for only two threes in the first half, but a three point barrage started by Riley Abercrombie in the third, before the hosts hung on late. 

London’s Holloway led their efforts with 19 points off the bench, hitting momentum swinging shots throughout the second half. The Riders win ended a 12-game Lions winning streak. 

The win sees Leicester improve to 17-7 in their pursuit of London at the top of the table. 

Thompson sets tone in physical defensive start

Thompson established his presence in the paint from the jump. He blocked three shots in the first four minutes as the Riders held London pointless to take an early lead. Thompson’s shot-stuffing was a theme of the half, seeing him enter the break with 6 rejections. 

But with Leicester’s offence disjointed to start the affair they couldn’t fully capitalise. Four starters got on the board to build only a four point advantage eight minutes in, despite the dominant start on defence. 

It was Wright who proved the difference. The American sank an and-one with an aggressive drive to the hoop to extend the Leicester lead- his second score of the game in three minutes off the bench. 

Wright had nine by the end of the period, which he ended with a tough right-handed layup to make it 20-12. 

Shelton poster highlight of second period

Duke Shelton started the second with a bang, putting Ciaran Sandy on a poster with a two handed jam over the Brit. That took the roof off, as the Riders continued to ramp up their defensive intensity with their second unit. 

Leicester forced three straight turnovers out of the Lions in the second to keep their opponents at arm’s length. Shelton joined in on the block party by sending away Alen Hadzibegovic in the post, helping the Riders hold London to zero field goals five minutes into the second period. 

The offensive struggles that plagued the Riders to start the game continued into the second, however. They scored three points in seven minutes- Shelton’s slam a rare Riders bucket. 

Hunter takes the lid off 

Jaylin Hunter hit the game’s first three with two minutes left in the half. That took the lid off going into the break, allowing Leicester to take a five point lead into halftime. Spencer Johnson hit the last shot- a fadeaway from the midrange on the buzzer. 

After both sides combined for two threes in the first half, the Riders came gunning out the gates in the third period with back to back bombs from Aussie Abercrombie. 

Leicester snatched momentum in the tie to take a nine point lead. Jackson ran the break coast-to-coast for a tough finish at the rim, forcing a Lions timeout down 42-33. Jackson heated up in the Riders run for 7 Leicester points on the bounce after a scoreless first half. 

London’s Holloway brought his game tally to 9 off the bench, hitting key shots deep in the shot clock to keep them in contention. But with Leicester’s offensive in rhythm and deep shots falling, the Riders opened up the difference. 

Hunter made it a 14 point lead with a contested triple in the corner to stamp down Leicester’s authority on the tie. 

Struckman sent to the sidelines

London threatened to cut into the Leicester lead at the foul line, with Aaryn Rai and Jaiden Delarie drawing fouls. They went 2-4, however, and Wright’s three on the other end got those points right back as the clock ticked down in the third. 

An altercation between Hunter and London’s Tanner Strucman saw Struckman take an early exit from the game with two technical fouls. Jackson’s following free throw made the Leicester lead 16 with one to play. 

Shelton staves off early London surge in the fourth

London started the fourth threatening to make it a game, holding Leicester scoreless in the first minute and a half and bringing the difference to 13. Shelton’s efforts on the offensive boards put a stop to that, however, pulling down a missed Wright triple to add two to the host’s tally. 

Shelton’s energy gave London fits on both ends, as the American flew around the court to jump in passing lanes, contest shots and smother the boards. He scored Leicester’s first four points of the period. 

When Shelton took to the bench midway through the fourth, Thompson picked up where he left off to grab a long offensive rebound immediately. 

Riders survive Lions surge

An 8-0 Lions run in the dying minutes of the game breathed late life into London. The final points of the run were from Holloway from the foul line, who made it 73-63. 

Holoway then hit for a long two, and following a Riders turnover, Tyler Peterson connected with an and-one play to cut it to a four point difference. 

The score was 75-71 with 44 seconds on the clock, meaning Leicester needed a bucket to ensure an important win. 

Jackson stepped up to sink the dagger, sizing up Holloway on the wing then hitting a three as the clock ticked to zero, putting the tie beyond doubt. 

The Riders play the second of a doubleheader weekend this Sunday on the road in Caledonia, looking to keep pressure on London by picking up wins.