The Leicester Riders produced a statement performance on Friday night, securing their first victory of the 2026/27 season with a remarkable 97-76 win over the previously unbeaten London Lions.
Arriving in the capital as the only remaining winless side in the SLB Championship, with a 0-7 record, the Riders faced a daunting challenge against a London side sitting comfortably at the top of the table with an unbeaten 8-0 record. However, against the odds, Leicester delivered one of their most impressive performances of the campaign to secure a potentially pivotal victory.
The opening quarter proved to be a closely contested affair, with the Lions holding a narrow 22-20 advantage after the first ten minutes. Leicester gradually found their rhythm in the second period, led by American duo JJ White and Bernard Pelote, who began to make their mark offensively. White was particularly influential, heading into the interval as the game’s leading scorer with 16 points.
The Riders carried that momentum into the closing seconds of the first half, with British-American guard Julian Mackey producing a huge late shot-clock three-pointer to give Leicester the advantage. His timely contribution sent the visitors into the break leading 41-39.
The second half brought further drama for the hosts, as London head coach Tautvydas Tabonis was ejected with just two minutes remaining in the third quarter. Leicester capitalised on the disruption, stepping up their intensity and extending their advantage. The Riders headed into the final ten minutes with a commanding 70-57 lead.
With their first victory of the season within reach, Leicester showed composure and maturity beyond their experience in the fourth quarter. Despite being a young side with limited experience of closing out games this season, the Riders maintained control and refused to allow the hosts back into contention.
White and Pelote continued to lead the charge, combining for an outstanding 60 points on the night. White’s composure and ball control proved particularly important down the stretch, as the rookie guard handled London’s defensive pressure and helped Leicester maintain possession in crucial moments.
Pelote then provided the finishing touch, knocking down a series of impressive three-pointers to further extend the Riders’ advantage. The visitors saw out the closing stages in style, completing a memorable 97-76 victory over the league leaders and bringing London’s unbeaten run to an end.
The result will provide a significant confidence boost for a young Riders roster that has endured a difficult start to the campaign. Head coach Rob Paternostro will now be hoping his side can carry this momentum into a busy November schedule, with the team set to face a series of challenging away fixtures.
Their next test comes on Sunday 15th November, as Leicester travel north of the border to face the Caledonia Gladiators at Playsport, East Kilbride.
Game statistics
- Bernard Pelote: 33 points, 7 rebounds
- JJ White: 27 points, 6 assists
- Lawson: 11 points
