Leicester Riders were beaten 95–78 on the road by league leaders London Lions despite a strong interior performance from Nate Martin and flashes of offensive rhythm throughout the contest.
Leicester arrived in the capital looking to build on their victory over Newcastle Eagles and climb the table with games in hand, but London’s depth and efficiency ultimately proved decisive.
Fast Start, Late Lions Surge
The Lions opened the scoring through Dean Williams before the Riders settled into the game, Donald Carey Jr finding Nate Martin inside for an early lay-up. Martin quickly became Leicester’s focal point, dominating the paint and racing to eight early points, including a powerful dunk that stunned the home crowd.
Carey Jr orchestrated well with three assists in the quarter, while Travis Evee knocked down a three off the bench to keep Leicester close. However, London finished the period strongly with back-to-back scores to take control as Lions saw out the quarter 24 to Riders 16. .
Credit: Leicester Riders Media
Evee Provides Spark
A scrappy opening spell saw turnovers from both teams before Joel Scott extended the Lions lead to double digits. Leicester responded through Spencer Johnson at the line and more inside work from Martin, but London’s scoring runs kept them at arm’s length.
Travis Evee again provided a lift from deep and Flynn Boardman-Raffet added valuable bench production, while RaeQuan Battle closed the half with a buzzer-beating triple to offer hope heading into the break as the Riders trail by 16 going into the second half.
Credit: Leicester Riders Media
Lions Take Control
Battle opened the second half scoring, and Carey Jr added a step-back three, but the Lions imposed themselves physically in the paint. Consistent scoring and defensive pressure stretched the gap as Leicester struggled to convert their perimeter opportunities.
Martin continued to battle on the boards and defensively, but London’s efficiency proved relentless.
Leicester refused to fold. Martin battled for tough finishes inside, and a Sulaiman-to-Battle alley-oop lifted the travelling support. Carey Jr attacked the rim late while the bench rotation including Boardman-Raffet and Evee added energy.
Despite the late push, the early deficit proved too large to overcome as the Lions closed out the win as they finished on 95 to Riders 78.
