Leicester Riders are out for revenge against Surrey 89ers.
The sides last shared the court in the Super League Basketball Cup Semi-Final, and Surrey took the win in a hard fought two legged affair.
Now Leicester seek to get back against Surrey in a pivotal fixture in a three-way title race in the Championship.
Fixture information
Leicester Riders vs Surrey 89ers
Super League Basketball Championship
Mattioli Arena Leicester
Friday, February 28, 7:30 pm
Back after the break
Super League Basketball returns to Leicester after a two week international break.
The Riders took back-to-back wins going into the break against Cheshire Phoenix and Manchester Basketball to stay in touch with the top of the table, as they’re engaged in a title battle with Sheffield Sharks and London Lions.
Getting the dub last time at home!
— Leicester Riders | Basketball (@RidersBball) February 27, 2025We're back from the break tomorrow hosting Surrey 89ers!
Join us there: https://t.co/HvabDiv71C pic.twitter.com/YH1xGPsYli
All three have four losses as we head into the final stretch of the season, the Riders having played three fewer games than the Lions and one fewer than the Sharks.
Their back-to-back wins before the break flexed Leicester’s offensive firepower. They scored 110 against the Phoenix in a home blowout, and led by Zach Jackson in the fourth quarter, bested Manchester on the road later in the week.
Jackson leads Leicester’s second-highest scoring offence with 17.5 points per game, making him a top five scorer in the league.
Putting on a show on the road
— Leicester Riders | Basketball (@RidersBball) February 17, 2025
Re-live last night's big win in Manchesterpic.twitter.com/qFy37J7Lfp
On the other end, the Riders held Cheshire’s league-best offence to 87, and Manchester to 74, both 7 points below their average. Their shot blocking ability up and down the roster makes for an intimidating prospect for any player driving to Leicester’s hoop.
Surrey shot over the shot blockers from three in the fourth quarter of the Semi-Finals, however, meaning Leicester will have to lock in on the perimeter against the 89ers cast of snipers to keep rolling in the Championship.
Surrey look to translate Cup form to the Championship
Surrey ran the gauntlet in the SLB Cup, besting London and Leicester on their way to the Final against Sheffield.
In doing so, they have proven they can go toe-to-toe with the best the League has to offer, and they are not to be overlooked by the Riders.
Despite that, Cup success hasn’t translated to the Championship as of yet. They’re 5-11 on the season, fighting for the seeding near the bottom of the playoff bracket.
It’s a talented roster suiting up in the south, with players showing up among the league leaders in all statistical categories. Dame Adelekun is the leader in rebounds from the big man spot, Mervin James is a top six scorer, and Cam Gooden averages the sixth most assists per outing.
It’s been a season of near misses for the Niners this year. Nine of their losses have come within single digits, losing their games by an average margin of 7.7 points. The Riders have brought that average up this season, however, winning by an average of 16.5 points in their two league meetings.
But the Cup Semi-Final will mean Surrey come to Leicester brimming with confidence, and will look to replicate that success to take their fifth Championship win of the year.
Riders doubleheader!
Tickets are still available for this fixture, which is a double header featuring Leicester Riders women.
Tickets are valid for both women’s and men’s games. You can get them here!
Doors open at 4 pm for the Riders women’s game against Cardiff Met Archers. Upon entry, your hand will be stamped, and fans will be allowed to leave and re-enter the building.
Please note, from 6:30pm there will be no re-entry to the Arena.
