The Leicester Riders return to the Mattioli Arena Leicester this Friday night as they look to secure their first league victory of the season against long-standing rivals Newcastle Eagles.
The Riders head into the matchup following six consecutive league defeats, with their last two contests decided in the closing moments. Despite the results, Leicester have shown encouraging signs of improvement, most recently pushing Manchester Basketball to the wire in front of a vocal home crowd.
With the opportunity to force overtime resting on the final possession, Canadian guard Taryn Todd attempted a contested dunk in the dying seconds. However, the attempt fell short, leaving the Riders still searching for that elusive first league win.
With a significant portion of the opening half of the season spent on the road, Leicester will be looking to make the most of home-court advantage on Friday night, with the support of the Mattioli Arena crowd potentially proving crucial against an in-form Eagles side.
Newcastle also enter the contest following a defeat, having fallen to Liverpool Basketball in their historic home opener. Despite that setback, the Eagles have been among the early-season standouts, boasting a 4–3 record that leaves them third in the league standings.
The retention of experienced Super League Basketball (SLB) talent, combined with several high-impact import signings, has made Newcastle a difficult opponent in the opening weeks of the campaign. The Riders will need to be at their best to halt the Eagles’ momentum and get their league campaign up and running.
Ones to watch
Veteran forward Deante Johnson Jr. delivered his strongest performance in a Riders uniform to date against Manchester, recording an impressive 21 points and six rebounds. The Detroit native showcased his versatility at both ends of the floor, providing an important presence for Leicester during the closing stages.
Johnson’s ability to establish himself in the paint, alongside the Canadian guard combination of TJ Hurley and Taryn Todd, has been a positive for this young Riders side as they look to build on their recent performances.
Todd has been one of Leicester’s leading offensive threats through the opening six fixtures. The Canadian guard is tied with Bernard Pelote III for the team lead, averaging 14.7 points per game, placing him eighth across the league. His scoring ability and playmaking will be important as the Riders look to challenge Newcastle on home soil.
For the visitors, import guard Tavis “Pistol” Smith has been leading the way offensively. Smith ranks fourth in the league for scoring and second for total three-pointers made, making him a key focus for the Riders’ defensive preparations. Limiting his opportunities from beyond the arc and preventing him from finding an offensive rhythm will be crucial to Leicester’s chances.
Canadian forward Cole Long is another player to watch. One of four returning players for the Eagles, Long has carried his form from last season into Newcastle’s revamped roster, averaging 11.4 points and 6.4 rebounds per game. His contribution on both ends of the floor provides another challenge for the Riders as they prepare for Friday’s contest.
A rivalry steeped in history
The rivalry between the Leicester Riders and Newcastle Eagles is one of the most established in British basketball. Throughout the 2010s, both clubs regularly competed at the top of the standings, meeting repeatedly in major finals and battling for domestic silverware.
The two sides have met in 11 major British basketball finals, with their most recent encounter coming in the 2025 SLB Playoff Final. On that occasion, the Riders emerged victorious, claiming their 20th piece of silverware with a 105–72 win over the Eagles at The O2 in London.
Those encounters have helped shape a rivalry built on sustained success, familiar opponents and high-stakes basketball. Both clubs have been staples of the British game for many years, and their meetings have regularly provided a stage for players and coaches to rise to the occasion.
With Leicester searching for their first league win and Newcastle looking to get back to winning ways, Friday’s contest offers another chapter in this long-standing rivalry. Expect an intense atmosphere, competitive basketball and plenty of drama as the Riders welcome their old foes to the Mattioli Arena.
Tickets and matchday information
There are new ways for supporters to experience Friday night’s Halloween special, with the return of the Riders’ family ticket offer and the introduction of a new tiered seating system at the Mattioli Arena.
Family tickets are available for two adults and one child from just £30, offering an affordable way for families to enjoy a night of live British basketball.
The new Tier B seating option also provides supporters with a more accessible price point. The designated areas include the digital planning stand and the back six rows of both the Duncan & Toplis Stand and the WBR Stand, with tickets available at 25% below standard rates.
Tier B ticket prices:
- Adults: £15
- Concessions: £12.50
- Children: £7.50
Both offers are available to purchase now through the Mattioli Arena website.
The Riders welcome Newcastle Eagles to the Mattioli Arena on Friday 30 October, with doors opening at 5:30pm ahead of a 7:30pm tip-off.
With a historic rivalry, two teams looking to respond to recent defeats and a Halloween atmosphere in store, the Riders will be determined to make home court count as they continue their pursuit of a first league victory.
