The Leicester Riders produced a battling performance at the Mattioli Arena but were ultimately beaten 106–100 by the Caledonia Gladiators after a dramatic game that required two overtime periods to separate the sides.
Fast Start Sets the Tone
The Riders came out with clear intent from the opening tip, setting the tempo early through aggressive offence and strong leadership from captain Spencer Johnson. Travis Evee opened the scoring before Johnson quickly added four points of his own as Leicester established early momentum.
Caledonia responded through Lloyd Bryan Jr., but the Riders continued to control the quarter, highlighted by a powerful Nate Martin dunk that lifted the home crowd. Johnson led by example throughout the opening period, pouring in 11 first-quarter points as Leicester built a commanding advantage.
By the end of the first, the Riders held a deserved 26–16 lead, reflecting their energy on both ends of the floor.
Credit: Leicester Riders Media
Gladiators Respond Before the Half
The visitors came out firing in the second quarter, with Malcolm Delpeche attacking the rim for consecutive scores to spark a Caledonia comeback. Leicester briefly struggled to find rhythm offensively before Tomiwa Sulaiman provided a spark, driving baseline for an impressive finish before adding a reverse layup moments later.
Aaron Menzies threw down a strong dunk to keep the Riders within touching distance, but Matthew Ragsdale began to influence the game heavily for the Gladiators, driving their offensive push.
Despite Johnson continuing his standout performance, reaching 14 first-half points, Caledonia edged ahead late in the quarter. A buzzer-beating catch and shoot score from Johnson kept Leicester close, but the Riders went into halftime narrowly trailing 41–40.
Credit: Leicester Riders Media
Sulaiman Ignites the Third Quarter
The third quarter belonged to Tomiwa Sulaiman, who came out aggressively and scored five quick baskets to swing momentum back in Leicester’s favour. His energy on both ends helped the Riders regain control during a tightly contested stretch.
Johnson remained central to Leicester’s offence, while Evee dictated playmaking duties, creating opportunities and keeping the tempo high. Both teams traded scores throughout an end-to-end period, with neither side able to pull away.
Heading into the final quarter, the Riders held a slender 58–57 advantage, setting up a tense finish.
Credit: Leicester Riders Media
Late Drama Forces Overtime
The fourth quarter turned into a physical battle, with momentum constantly shifting. Former Rider Ethan Wright hit key shots for Caledonia, while Victor Ndoukou delivered crucial scoring for Leicester, including a clutch three-pointer that gave the Riders a late advantage.
Evee added a tough baseline finish and Nate Martin produced a huge defensive block as Leicester fought to close out the game. However, Caledonia responded in the closing seconds, tying the contest at 73–73 to force overtime.
Credit: Leicester Riders Media
Overtime Chaos
The first overtime period saw both teams trade blows. Ndoukou knocked down a huge three, Johnson converted key free throws, and Sulaiman calmly scored from the line to keep the Riders ahead at different moments. Yet Wright again proved decisive for the visitors, tying the game late as neither side could find separation, leaving the score locked at 87–87.
In the second overtime, fatigue began to play a role. Evee and Johnson continued to deliver big baskets, including a Johnson three that cut the deficit, but Matthew Ragsdale took control for the Gladiators, scoring repeatedly and converting crucial free throws down the stretch.
Despite late scores from Nate Martin and Johnson, Caledonia maintained their advantage in the closing moments to secure a 106–100 victory.
Credit: Leicester Riders | Nathan Green
Standout Performances
Spencer Johnson led the Riders with an outstanding 30-point performance, driving the offence throughout the night. Travis Evee added key scoring and playmaking contributions, while Tomiwa Sulaiman’s third-quarter surge proved vital in keeping Leicester competitive.
Nate Martin also made his presence felt defensively and on the boards, producing key rebounds and blocks during crucial moments.
For Caledonia, Matthew Ragsdale’s 38-point performance ultimately proved decisive in a game that went down to the wire.
Credit: Leicester Riders | Nathan Green
Fighting Spirit on Display
In a game defined by intensity, momentum swings, and relentless effort, the Riders showed tremendous resilience but were ultimately undone by fatigue and Caledonia’s deeper rotation in double overtime.
Leicester will now look to regroup quickly as they continue their push up the Super League Basketball table. Tickets are on sale for our next game at the Mattioli Arena on Sunday 5th April at 3:00pm against Bristol Flyers.
