The Leicester Riders fell 82–78 to the Cheshire Phoenix in a hard-fought Super League Basketball Championship contest at the Mattioli Arena.
The latest meeting between the two sides came with plenty of history. The last time they faced off, tensions flared between Phoenix head coach Ben Thomas and Riders head coach Rob Paternostro, before captain Spencer Johnson sealed a dramatic road win with a clutch last-second shot from the wing.
Leicester again entered the matchup without key players Donald Carey Jr, RaeQuan Battle and Marc Loving, while Cheshire arrived in strong form sitting second in the Championship standings.
Phoenix Start Strong
Cheshire opened the scoring through Tobias Cameron before Flynn Boardman-Raffet immediately responded with a three-pointer. Tomiwa Sulaiman followed with a triple of his own as the Riders looked sharp early.
However, the Phoenix quickly found their rhythm. Skyler White attacked the basket with a driving layup before Cameron and White both connected from deep to push Cheshire ahead.
Boardman-Raffet continued his hot start, knocking down his second three after a clever pass from Spencer Johnson, but the Riders suffered a setback when the guard was forced to leave the game with a knock to the leg.
Aaron Menzies battled inside late in the quarter, powering to the baseline before finding Victor Ndoukou for an easy finish, but Cheshire maintained control.
Credit: Leicester Riders Media
Riders Battle Back
Johnson sparked Leicester early in the second period with a stop-and-pop three from outside the arc, though White immediately responded with another deep shot for Cheshire.
The Riders found success inside as Travis Evee linked up with Nate Martin for a strong finish under the basket. Menzies continued to impose himself physically, bullying his way through defenders before throwing down a powerful dunk.
Johnson began to find his offensive rhythm as Leicester chipped away at the deficit, but Cheshire’s efficient shooting kept them in front.
Credit: Leicester Riders Media
Evee and Martin Spark the Comeback
Leicester emerged from the break with renewed intensity. Evee completed an and-one play after driving to the rim before continuing his strong run with consecutive scoring plays.
Martin added a powerful dunk as the Riders surged ahead, the pair combining to ignite both the team and the home crowd.
Cheshire attempted to respond through LaQuincy Rideau, but the Riders’ energy was relentless. Backed by a loud Mattioli Arena crowd, Leicester began to control the tempo of the game.
Menzies capped the quarter with a huge defensive block as the Riders finished the period in command.
Late Phoenix Surge
Cheshire began the final quarter searching for momentum. Although White missed an early attempt, the Phoenix eventually found their breakthrough as Patrick Robinson caught fire with back-to-back scores.
A worrying moment followed for the Riders as Tomiwa Sulaiman left the floor after a heavy fall, briefly halting the game.
Martin restarted Leicester’s offence with a strong inside finish, but Robinson continued to lead the Phoenix comeback as Cheshire regained the lead.
With two minutes remaining the game was tied, before Spencer Johnson delivered once again in the clutch with a jump shot to put Leicester ahead and bring the Mattioli Arena to its feet.
However, Robinson responded with a crucial three-pointer to edge Cheshire back in front. In the closing seconds, Phoenix held their nerve at the free-throw line, converting two shots with five seconds remaining.
The Riders had one final opportunity but were unable to find the winning three.
Final: Cheshire Phoenix 82 – Riders 78
