In front of a near sell-out crowd of over 2,000 at the Mattioli Arena, Leicester Riders went toe-to-toe with table-topping London Lions in a high-quality Super League Basketball Championship contest, but ultimately fell short in an entertaining 83–75 defeat.
Fast Start and End-to-End Opening
London opened the scoring through Deane Williams, but the Riders quickly settled into the game. RaeQuan Battle got the home side on the board before Donald Carey Jr knocked down a triple from the wing. The opening quarter was played at a fierce tempo, with both teams exchanging baskets as Karolis Lukosiunas found his range for the Lions.
Leicester matched London’s firepower through Battle and Carey Jr, feeding off an electric home crowd, but the visitors edged the first quarter 21–19.
Credit: Leicester Riders Media
Battle and Carey Jr Lead the Charge
The second quarter saw Battle continue his scoring run, reaching double figures early with a series of pull-up jumpers. Carey Jr orchestrated the Riders’ offence, creating opportunities and attacking the glass, including a well-worked assist to Tomiwa Sulaiman at the rim.
Aaron Menzies’ introduction brought physicality and rim protection, troubling the Lions inside and earning trips to the free-throw line. Despite Leicester briefly taking the lead, London responded through Shavar Reynolds Jr and Lukosiunas to hold a narrow 40–38 advantage at the half.
Credit: Leicester Riders Media
Lions Gain Control After the Break
Marc Loving sparked the Riders early in the third with a lay-up followed by a three, as Leicester looked to keep pressure on a disciplined London side. Battle produced one of the highlights of the night, grabbing his own rebound and finishing with authority to cut the deficit to one.
However, London found momentum midway through the quarter, knocking down key shots and stretching the lead. Despite Leicester’s resistance, the Lions entered the final period up 62–53.
Late Push in a Thrilling Finish
Credit: Leicester Riders Media
The Riders came out firing in the fourth, quickly cutting the gap to just two points as the crowd rose to its feet. Carey Jr attacked the baseline for a crucial finish, while Battle delivered another huge three to keep Leicester within striking distance.
With four minutes remaining, the Riders pushed hard for a late run, but London’s composure proved decisive.
RaeQuan Battle led the scoring on the night with 30 points and four rebounds, while Donald Carey Jr added 21 points, continuing his strong run of form. The atmosphere inside the Mattioli Arena reflected the quality on the floor, as the Riders pushed the league leaders all the way.
Despite Leicester’s relentless effort, the visitors closed out the game to secure an 83–75 win.
