The Leicester Riders made it back-to-back victories for the first time this season, battling to a hard-fought 80–78 win over the Surrey 89ers at Surrey Sports Park.
Coming off a dominant home performance against Newcastle Eagles, the Riders carried that momentum into Guildford, with Donald Carey Jr and RaeQuan Battle once again leading from the front in an impressive all-round team display.
High-Paced Start in Surrey
Surrey opened the game with Michael Graham finishing at the rim, but Aaron Menzies quickly responded for Leicester with a powerful dunk inside. Donald Carey Jr got himself going early, scoring from the line and finding his rhythm with five quick points.
Battle linked beautifully with Emmanuel Akot for a two-handed dunk, before hitting a triple of his own to keep the Riders close in a fast-paced opening quarter.
Tomiwa Sulaiman made an immediate impact off the bench, knocking down a smooth three and adding defensive presence inside. Carey Jr continued to pull the strings offensively, finding Flynn Boardman-Raffet for a strong finish under pressure.
Despite Riders sharp start, Surrey edged the quarter 26–24 behind a strong showing from Ronald Polite III, who tallied nine points and three assists.
Credit: Leicester Riders Media
Even Contest at the Half
The Riders came out strong in the second as Flynn Boardman-Raffet cut to the basket for an early layup. The game became a tight, back-and-forth battle, with RaeQuan Battle hitting his second triple of the night and Travis Evee adding one from deep as Leicester’s perimeter shooting continued to shine.
Donald Carey Jr impressed on both ends, forcing turnovers and creating chances for teammates. He drove hard to the basket late in the half to reach double figures, while Battle remained clinical, leading the Riders with 14 first-half points.
After a competitive opening 20 minutes, the Riders held a narrow 49–45 advantage at the break.
Sulaiman Sparks the Offence
Surrey came out firing in the second half through Michael Graham and Kino Lilly Jr, but the Riders answered back with composure. Battle linked up with Carey Jr for a smooth finish inside, while Menzies dominated the paint with key rebounds at both ends.
Isiah Small hit a run of baskets for Surrey to briefly swing momentum, but Tomiwa Sulaiman turned the tide with a superb spell. The forward drained a three before finishing a dunk in quick succession, showcasing his athleticism and energy.
Donald Carey Jr continued his all-round performance, registering his fourth assist of the game as Leicester closed the gap heading into the final quarter, trailing narrowly 64–61.
Credit: Leicester Riders Media
Battle Leads Riders to Back-to-Back Wins
Sulaiman stayed hot to start the fourth, hitting another jumper before Akot followed up with one of his own as the Riders took a slim lead.
RaeQuan Battle took control midway through the quarter, throwing down a huge dunk to push Leicester ahead 74–69. Surrey continued to push, with four players in double figures keeping the hosts within reach, but Battle responded again — hitting a crossover jumper for his 25th point of the night.
In the final minute, Travis Evee drove to the baseline and drew a foul to help run down the clock. Surrey had one final chance as Polite III’s three-point attempt bounced off the rim, and the Riders secured the rebound to close out the game.
It was a determined display from the Riders, who showed composure and teamwork down the stretch to claim an 80-78 win.
Final Word
The Riders are starting to find their rhythm on both ends of the floor. With back-to-back wins and growing chemistry between new the new additions Carey Jr and Battle, Leicester Riders head into their next fixture against Cheshire Phoenix next Friday full of confidence.
Catch the Riders at home against Cheshire Phoenix on Friday 31st at the Mattioli Arena 7:30pm Tip-off. Tickets on sale here.
