The Leicester Riders closed out the Super League Basketball regular season with a 98-77 defeat on the road to Cheshire Phoenix, as the hosts secured second place while the Riders turned attention toward the postseason.
With fifth place already secured following Friday’s double-overtime win in Newcastle and the Surrey 89ers losing to the London Lions on Saturday, Head Coach Rob Paternostro used the afternoon to manage minutes, resting Flynn Boardman-Raffet while giving extended opportunities across the rotation, including another promising display from Tomide Akinsiku.
Phoenix Start Fast
The Riders opened the scoring through Aaron Menzies, who followed up his own miss with a tip-in, but Cheshire responded immediately as Frankie Policelli knocked down a three from the wing.
The home side found an early rhythm through Laquincy Rideau and Skyler White, pushing the pace and building a double-digit advantage midway through the quarter.
The Riders found some momentum through Travis Evee, who attacked the basket before linking up with Victor Ndoukou for a reverse lay-up, while Akinsiku lifted the bench with a powerful driving dunk.
Despite those flashes, Cheshire controlled the opening period and led 29–17 at the end of the first.
Credit: Leicester Riders Media | Nathan Green
Riders Stay in Touch
The Phoenix carried their momentum into the second, continuing to shoot well from outside while stretching the floor effectively.
Evee remained Leicester’s main offensive spark, pulling up for two, while Mike Joiner added a strong reverse finish. Akinsiku continued to impress on the glass, giving the Riders valuable energy inside.
Kedrian Johnson briefly left the game after taking a knock near the eye, but returned and made an immediate impact attacking the basket.
Although Cheshire remained in control, Leicester improved late in the quarter and went into halftime trailing 49–36.
Credit: Leicester Riders Media
Riders Respond
Leicester delivered their best spell of the game in the third.
Joiner found Menzies inside to begin the quarter, while foul trouble for Skyler White disrupted Cheshire’s rhythm. Evee continued to lead the charge, weaving into the paint for a finish before knocking down a three off a Johnson assist.
Joiner added another triple, while Akinsiku produced another highlight finish at the rim as Leicester began to cut into the deficit.
It was a strong response from the Riders, who reduced the gap and entered the final quarter trailing by 11.
Credit: Leicester Riders Media
Phoenix Close It Out
Akinsiku opened the fourth with another inside score to take his tally to 12 points, while Xavier Bledson added a three and Joiner continued to contribute offensively.
However, Cheshire had answers at key moments. Tobias Cameron and Frankie Policelli both delivered down the stretch, while Pat Robinson added another important basket as the hosts kept control.
The decisive factor proved to be rebounding, with Cheshire creating second-chance opportunities throughout to maintain their advantage and secure the result.
Credit: Leicester Riders Media
Turning attention to the Playoffs
While the Riders fell short in the regular-season finale, there were positives to take from the afternoon. Akinsiku continued his impressive development with valuable minutes, while key players were managed ahead of the postseason.
Attention now turns to the playoffs, where the Leicester Riders will face the Sheffield Sharks in the quarter-finals, beginning next Friday at the Mattioli Arena. Tickets for the Quarter Final home leg are on sale now!
