Leicester Riders fell to a 103–90 defeat against Surrey 89ers in the SLB Championship on Friday night, as a strong offensive display from the visitors proved too much to overcome.
Despite flashes of quality including an impressive debut from Xavier Bledson and a third-quarter surge led by Travis Evee, Riders were unable to contain Surrey’s scoring threat across all four quarters.
The result comes after Leicester’s positive win over Bristol Flyers last week, with Head Coach Rob Paternostro able to call upon a full roster, including new additions Keddy Johnson and debutant Bledson.
Surrey Start Fast in Opening Quarter
Riders won the opening possession, but it was Surrey who struck first as Tyrin Lawrence drove inside for the opener. Nate Martin quickly made his presence felt at both ends, tying the game at 2–2 with a tip-in after an early defensive stand.
Flynn Boardman-Raffet attacked aggressively, converting a driving layup and adding the free throw to edge Riders ahead briefly. However, Surrey responded through Isiah Small, who attacked the lane and got to the line, before finishing a strong three-point play to put the visitors back in front.
The game quickly turned into a back-and-forth battle. Travis Evee picked up a steal and got to the line, while Keddy Johnson began to influence the tempo with strong drives and defensive pressure.
The introduction of Xavier Bledson proved a spark, he announced himself with a confident three from the wing, before adding a reverse layup and another deep triple to keep Riders within touching distance.
Despite Riders’ energy, Surrey’s offensive rebounding hurt them early, with Michael Graham and Ronald Polite III capitalising on second-chance points. A late triple from Nedas Cholevinskas pushed Surrey ahead.
Credit: Leicester Riders
Visitors Extend Lead Before Half-Time
Mike Joiner opened the second quarter with a floater, but Surrey quickly responded through Kino Lily Jr, who knocked down perimeter shots and remained a constant threat.
Bledson continued to impress, showing vision with a no-look assist to Aaron Menzies, who finished strongly inside. Flynn Boardman-Raffet added a triple, and Evee connected from deep after good ball movement, but Surrey’s offence continued to flow.
A key sequence saw Kino Lily Jr convert multiple free throws and a step-back jumper, while Andrew Lawrence and Michael Graham added key baskets to extend the lead.
Keddy Johnson began to find rhythm late in the half—driving to the basket, finishing through contact, and adding multiple layups to keep Riders in the contest. Still, Surrey maintained control heading into the break with a 59–48 advantage.
Credit: Leicester Riders
Evee Sparks Third Quarter Fightback
Travis Evee came out firing after the break. He drilled a three early, then added another moments later after good work from Keddy Johnson, cutting the deficit to single digits.
Riders began to build momentum, Evee added a driving finish and free throw, while Johnson knocked down a three of his own. Victor Ndoukou finished inside after a slick wrap-around pass from Evee to bring Riders within two points at 65–67.
The Mattioli Arena lifted as Riders pushed, but Surrey responded through Ronald Polite III and Isiah Small, who combined for key baskets and free throws to steady the visitors.
Despite Evee’s eight quick points and Riders’ surge, Surrey’s efficiency kept them ahead.
Credit: Leicester Riders
Surrey Pull Away Late
Surrey opened the fourth with a statement alley-oop dunk from Isiah Small, assisted by Polite III. Riders responded through Aaron Menzies, who battled on the glass for consecutive offensive rebounds and tip-in finishes to close the gap.
A huge moment came midway through the quarter, Victor Ndoukou drained a three from the wing off Keddy Johnson’s fifth assist of the game to bring Riders within four at 84–88.
Moments later, Nate Martin came up with a massive block, and Riders had chances to close further. Flynn Boardman-Raffet drove through traffic for a tough layup, and Johnson added free throws to make it a one-possession game.
However, Surrey responded decisively.
Kino Lily Jr knocked down a clutch three to stretch the lead to 10, before Ronald Polite III attacked the rim for consecutive scores. Tyrin Lawrence added a driving layup, and a slick alley-oop finish from Timothy Nwankwo again assisted by Lawrence pushed the lead back out to double digits.
In the closing minutes, Isiah Small dominated the glass with defensive rebounds and capped his performance with another driving layup. Michael Joiner added a late three, assisted by Polite III, to seal the result.
Despite late efforts from Riders, including a Johnson drive and continued hustle on the boards, Surrey controlled the final stretch.
Riders now look ahead to Sunday as they head north to take on the Caledonia Gladiators on the road before hosting Manchester Basketball back on Friday, 17th April. Tickets on sale now via our website.
