The Leicester Riders’ three-game winning streak came to an end in the capital, as they fell 82–70 to unbeaten London Lions in a hard-fought Super League Basketball clash at the Copper Box Arena.
Fast Start in the Capital
Both sides opened the game with strong defensive intensity before Travis Evee got the Riders on the board with a composed finish. Donald Carey Jr. followed up with a deep three-pointer as Leicester raced into a 10–2 lead.
Aaron Menzies was a presence inside early on, using his size and strength to finish through contact and add points at the line. Carey Jr. continued his hot start, collecting his own rebound before converting a lay-up to extend the lead.
The Lions responded through Morayo Soluade, who found his scoring rhythm with six quick points. Despite Leicester’s bright opening, London edged ahead late in the quarter to take a narrow 21–20 lead after an end-to-end first ten minutes.
Lions Fight Back
The Riders started the second quarter with good ball movement, but both teams struggled to convert early chances. The Lions struck first through Joel Scott, hitting a three from deep, before RaeQuan Battle replied in kind with a triple of his own.
Donald Carey Jr. and Battle linked up again moments later, with another three to keep Leicester close. However, the Lions began to assert control midway through the quarter as Deane Williams caught fire, scoring five straight buckets to push London ahead.
Tomiwa Sulaiman battled hard inside, drawing contact to complete a three-point play, but the Lions’ shooting efficiency began to tell. Williams reached double figures while Kameron McGusty added key points to give London a ten-point lead.
Carey Jr. closed the half with a big crossover and three-pointer to keep Leicester in touch, finishing the half with 13 points, three rebounds, and three assists, as the Riders trailed 45–37.
Lions Take Control
The Riders entered the second half with work to do, and both Sulaiman and Menzies battled well on the glass to create second-chance opportunities. But the Lions’ shooting from range proved decisive.
Soluade hit from the wing to extend the lead, while Evee responded with two tough drives to the basket to keep Leicester fighting. Despite their effort inside, the Lions punished every missed shot, finding success from deep to stretch their advantage.
London closed out a strong third quarter on a 10–0 run, taking a commanding 65–43 lead heading into the final period.
Late Fightback Falls Short
The Riders came out determined in the fourth as Victor Ndoukou drained a three from the corner to give Leicester a lift. Carey Jr. continued to lead the offence, finding Battle on the wing for another long-range effort, marking his fifth assist of the game.
Despite Leicester’s fight, the Lions’ trio of Soluade, Ethan Price, and Deane Williams continued to shine, making it difficult for the Riders to close the gap.
Carey Jr. drove to the rim late for another strong finish, but the Lions’ composure saw them close out the contest. The Riders’ spirited effort wasn’t enough to overturn the deficit, as London sealed the 82–70 victory.
Final Thoughts
After three consecutive wins, the Riders were handed a tough test against unbeaten London Lions. Donald Carey Jr once again impressed as the focal point of the offence, while Aaron Menzies and Spencer Johnson battled hard inside.
The Riders will look to regroup and bounce back quickly as their attention turns to Cheshire Phoenix away next Sunday.
