Leicester Riders are ready to go head-to-head with Caledonia Gladiators for the first time this season.
The Riders opposition currently prop up the Super League Basketball standings, but have shown signs of finding form in their previous two fixtures. They will look to rally after recent roster changes have left them with a six man rotation for tomorrow’s action.
With the League’s top three teams all playing at the same time on Friday night, the round of fixtures could see a significant swing at the top of the table.
Here’s all you need to know about the game…
Fixture information
Leicester Riders vs Caledonia Gladiators
Mattioli Arena, Leicester
Super League Basketball Championship
Friday, January 17, 7:30 pm
Riders’ continue to flex their defensive prowess
Leicester Riders are hunting down London Lions at the top of the Championship standings, moving to within one game of the League leaders with last week’s win against Manchester Basketball.
They held Manchester’s red hot offence, which averaged 87 points in December, to 76 at the Mattioli Arena, their League-best defence continuing to set the tone in games.
The Riders blocked seven shots on the night. Charles Thompson, the League leader in blocks, sent away three, and Riley Abercrombie who took home player of the game honours after bagging 13 straight points in the third, had two emphatic rejections.
The team allows 77.6 points per game, making them the stingiest outfit in the SLB. Their 5.2 blocks per game is the most of all teams, and they close possessions effectively by pulling down 73.74% of their defensive rebounds, again the most in the League.
Leicester come into this game having won seven of the last eight Championship games, and have held their opponents to under 80 points in six of those fixtures.
Another shot-stuffing defensive performance would go a long way to securing another League win for Leicester, keeping the pressure on the top of the table as we approach the midway point of the season.
Caledonia look to rally after departures
The Caledonia Gladiators currently sit last in the League standings with a 2-10 record.
Having already made changes to their roster earlier in the season, seeing the departure of Tanner Struckman who has since signed with London Lions, Ian Budose who now suits up in Manchester and Head Coach Gareth Murray, Caledonia were forced into two more changes with leading scorer Jared Wilson-Frame and Malik Dunbar leaving due to a breach of club discipline.
With Fahro Alihodzic, Elijah Cain and Prince Onwas sidelined through injury, the Gladiators are set to roll out a six-man rotation for tomorrow’s action.
They have made additions to the squad throughout the year in the way of the experienced backcourt duo of Teddy Okereafor and Nick Tomsick, and the hiring of coaching veteran Robbie Peers.
Unlike the Riders, who enter this tie on a good run of form, Caledonia have lost six of their last seven in the League, despite showing some promise in their last two games.
They beat Bristol Flyers at home in a low scoring battle, and last time out the Gladiators almost took back-to-back wins for the first time in the League, taking Cheshire Phoenix to overtime. They lost in the extra period 101-98 despite former Rider Patrick Whelan’s incredible 34 points and 8 rebounds,
They led the game 53-44 at the half, but Larry Austin Jr led Cheshire with 26 points and hit the shot to send the game to overtime in the clutch.
Generating offence has been a difficulty for Caledonia all season, leaving them with the fewest points per game in the SLB with 75.3. They hit on only 45% of their field goals and turn the ball over a league-high 17.9 times per outing.
Taking a short rotation into Leicester, the Gladiators will look to rally together and pull out a hard-fought win against the Riders.
Where to watch
Tickets are still avaible for tomorrow’s game. You can get them here!
The game will also be available to stream live on DAZN.
