Leicester Riders continue their late season title charge in the Super League Basketball Championship with a midweek clash against Surrey 89ers. 

These familiar foes have met seven times before this season, and now face off for the final time in the league with major ramifications for both teams. 

The Riders have their eyes set firmly on the top of the table in the final few games of the year, meanwhile the Niners can finish anywhere from fourth to eighth come the end of the season. 

Fixture information

Leicester Riders vs Surrey 89ers

Super League Basketball Championship

Mattioli Arena, Leicester

Thursday, April 17, 7:30 pm

Riders control their own Championship destiny

Leicester Riders dug deep for two monumental displays last game week. 

Friday evening saw them put a significant dent into Sheffield Sharks’ title hopes, winning in overtime with three players out come the final buzzer. It was the team’s first win against Sheffield this season, and it couldn’t have come at a better time.

The Riders then had to travel to Cheshire the next day on tired legs from the extra period played in a battle a day prior. Leicester pulled off an incredible victory on the road led by star guard Jaylin Hunter, making it two wins from two in a back-to-back. 

Dug deep, brought the dub home

Check out the highlights from yesterday's win in Cheshire pic.twitter.com/mlY30nAhws

— Leicester Riders | Basketball (@RidersBball) April 13, 2025

Meanwhile, London Lions dropped their third straight game on the road to the 89ers, meaning the Riders now control their own destiny in the SLB Championship. Should they win out, they will be crowned champions. 

This will be approached game by game by Rob Paternostro’s side, starting with Surrey 89ers in this fixture. They are not an opponent to be taken lightly. 

Giant killers- Niners continue upset-causing trend

Not only have the Niners pulled off two wins against the league leading Lions this year, they enter this game having won two straight, and got the better of the Riders in the SLB Cup Semi-Final in January. 

Spearheaded by a plethora of scoring threats on the perimeter, namely Cameron Gooden, Mervin James and Jalen Ray, and a dominant big man inside, Dame Adelekun, Surrey’s roster is poised with multiple contenders to go off for game-winning performances every night. 

Adelekun is the league’s leading rebounder, meanwhile James’ 17.7 points per game makes him the fourth highest-scoring player behind the Riders’ Zach Jackson in third. 

The Riders will therefore have to continue their rich vein of form from last weekend in order to capitalise on the opportunity presented to them. 

Tickets still available 

Tickets to this game are still available for £10! You can get them here!