Leicester Riders returned to the Mattioli Arena to open a run of four home games in April with an 85–78 victory over Bristol Flyers, overcoming a late fourth-quarter surge to secure an important win in front of their home crowd.
After a difficult spell following the international break, Rob Paternostro’s side delivered three dominant quarters before showing resilience down the stretch to see out the result.
New signing Xiaver Bledson remained unavailable pending league approval after signing for the Club on Friday, but Keddy Johnson continued to show his growing influence in a Riders jersey producing a standout performance against his former club.
Fast Start Sets the Tone
Bristol struck first through Zach Anderson, but Riders quickly found rhythm through Flynn Boardman-Raffet, who immediately imposed himself on the game.
Boardman-Raffet attacked aggressively, scoring from the line before spinning baseline for a tough fadeaway finish. Nate Martin added momentum with a coast-to-coast score, while Tomiwa Sulaiman ignited the arena with a huge defensive block that sparked another Riders transition basket.
Running the offence with confidence, Boardman-Raffet poured in 12 first-quarter points as Leicester surged ahead, closing the opening period with a commanding 26–15 lead.
Credit: Leicester Riders Media
Johnson and Boardman-Raffet Combine
Leicester carried that energy into the second quarter, with Keddy Johnson going coast-to-coast to extend the advantage. The developing partnership between Johnson and Boardman-Raffet began to trouble Bristol consistently, combining pace, penetration and ball movement.
Johnson repeatedly found teammates in transition, while Travis Evee’s rebounding helped fuel fast breaks. Bristol struggled to handle the Riders’ defensive pressure despite flashes from Anderson.
By halftime, Leicester had produced one of their most complete halves in recent weeks, leading 48–29.
Boardman-Raffet starred with 16 points and three rebounds, while Johnson added nine points and four assists heading into the break.
Credit: Leicester Riders Media
Riders Take Control After the Break
Bristol opened the third quarter with a three-pointer, but Riders quickly reasserted control. Nate Martin linked effectively with Johnson for a strong finish, while Sulaiman added scoring and defensive presence inside.
Johnson began to take over offensively, knocking down shots and orchestrating possessions as Leicester stretched the lead beyond 20 points. Aaron Menzies added a momentum-shifting block as Riders dominated both ends of the floor.
Leicester entered the final quarter firmly in control at 71–49.
Credit: Leicester Riders Media
Late Flyers Rally Tested Riders’ Resolve
The fourth quarter proved far less comfortable. Bristol increased defensive pressure and began cutting into the deficit through Cameron Holden and Anderson, forcing turnovers and converting key possessions.
The Flyers reduced the gap to single digits with just minutes remaining, prompting a Riders timeout as momentum threatened to swing.
With the crowd rising behind them, Leicester found their response through Johnson, who drilled a crucial three-pointer to halt Bristol’s comeback. Sulaiman then produced a massive defensive block in the closing moments, preserving the advantage.
From there, Riders held their composure at the free-throw line, including late makes from Johnson, to close out the game and seal an 85–78 victory.
It was a much-needed win for the Riders as they now look ahead to next Friday against Surrey 89ers at the Mattioli Arena. Tickets on sale now.
