Leicester Riders take on Newcastle Eagles on the road in their penultimate game of the Super League Basketball Championship season.
With the Championship winners decided on Wednesday in London, the Riders look to lock up second place in their final two games.
Meanwhile, Newcastle can finish between fourth and sixth depending on their final two results, starting with this one.
Fixture information
Newcastle Eagles vs Leicester Riders
Super League Basketball Championship
Vertu Motors Arena, Newcastle
Friday, April 25, 7:30 pm
Leicester Riders look to secure second place in Championship
The Riders’ midweek loss to London Lions meant the league title is no longer in reach. They can secure second, and the number two seed for the playoffs, by winning their final two games.
Leicester endured a difficult shooting night in London, going 1-17 from three, and will hope to re-set their sights on the road in the North East.
They are the second best three point shooters in the league this season at 35.8%, and will therefore be confident in finding their deep shooting form heading into the postseason.
BANG. Riders lead
— Leicester Riders | Basketball (@RidersBball) April 20, 2025@_jaylinhunter12 pic.twitter.com/xG1smJSnT3
The Riders have been the second highest scoring team in the SLB, averaging the most assists and knocking down shots at a 46.9% clip. They’ll want to settle back into their rhythm against an Eagles side who held Bristol Flyers to 55 last time out.
Newcastle Eagles steady the ship late in the season
A strong start to the year saw the Newcastle Eagles win the SLB Trophy, and seemingly lock down fourth in the league table. However, a late-season dip in form saw them fall down the standings, and now they hope to hang on to their fourth or fifth seeding.
The North Easterners endured a four game losing streak starting in late March, but have regathered themselves to take three wins on the bounce including an impressive 84-55 victory against the Flyers at home.
— Newcastle Eagles (@NewcastleEagle) April 21, 2025
Coach Steutel post-game interview after our Eagles defeated Bristol Flyers at home.#WeAreEagles pic.twitter.com/GOL8cjr9ot
Led by 17.8 points per night by the third leading scorer in the league, Mike Okauru, the Eagles are a threat to anyone on any night.
However, their 14-16 record represents a disappointing league campaign for the Eagles, and they’ll be hoping to climb back to .500 in their remaining games.
Where to watch
This game will be streamed live on DAZN. You can watch it here.
