The Leicester Riders are back on the road this Friday night as they travel south to face the Surrey 89ers at Surrey Sports Park in their latest Super League Basketball Championship clash.
Riders Looking to Build Momentum
After a difficult start to the season, the Riders bounced back in style last weekend with a commanding 91–77 win over the Newcastle Eagles at the Mattioli Arena. The result marked their first victory of the campaign and a performance that showcased the squad’s growing chemistry and confidence.
New signings Donald Carey Jr. and Aaron Menzies made an immediate impact on their home debuts. Carey Jr. impressed with 21 points and nine assists as he won the TrophiesPlusMedals Player of the Night, controlling the tempo and setting the tone early, while Menzies, returning to the Riders after his previous spell in 2022–23, opened the scoring and anchored the defence.
RaeQuan Battle also stood out, contributing a massive 18 points and energising the Riders’ offence with a monster dunk which is already in contention for Play of the Season with his dynamic shot-making and athleticism. Spencer Johnson added valuable scoring off the wing, and Tomiwa Sulaiman was key on the boards, pulling down eight rebounds in another all-action display.
With the win breaking a four-game losing streak, the Riders will look to carry that momentum into Surrey and continue climbing the standings.
Surrey 89ers: Player to Watch
The 89ers have shown flashes of strong form this season, with Kino Lilly Jr. emerging as their standout performer. Averaging 16.7 points per game, the American guard has been a consistent scoring threat, combining quickness, creativity, and outside shooting to keep opponents on edge. Slowing Lilly Jr. down will be a key focus for Leicester’s defensive unit.
What to Expect
Friday’s match-up promises to be an exciting encounter, with both sides eager to build rhythm in the early stages of the Super League Basketball campaign. The Riders will aim to replicate their fast-paced offensive flow from the win over Newcastle while maintaining the defensive intensity that defined last week’s performance.
Tip-off is set for 7:30pm at Surrey Sports Park as the Riders look to make it back-to-back victories and continue their push up the table. Riders fans can watch the game live on DAZN.
Halloween Hoops at the Mattioli Arena
The Riders return home next week for a spooky Halloween Hoops showdown against the Cheshire Phoenix on Friday 31st October, tipping off at 7:30pm at the Mattioli Arena. Expect a night of basketball, fun, and festivities for the whole family — fancy dress is encouraged! Tickets are on sale now — don’t miss out!
