The Leicester Riders fell to a narrow 81–78 defeat against the B. Braun Sheffield Sharks in the first leg of their Super League Basketball Playoff Quarter Final, as a fiercely contested encounter at the Mattioli Arena leaves the tie finely poised heading into the second leg.
After sweeping the Sheffield Sharks in the final week of the regular season, the Riders entered the matchup full of confidence, but a sharp and physical Sharks performance in the opening half meant they took a slender advantage back to the Steel City.
Sharks Set the Early Tone
Sheffield struck first through Dirk Williams, immediately setting the pace, but Flynn Boardman-Raffet responded with a strong and-one finish to get the Riders underway.
Keddy Johnson began to influence the game early, linking up with Aaron Menzies for a powerful dunk, but the Sharks controlled the interior through Fahro Alihodzic and Williams to build momentum.
Despite a late three from Mike Joiner, Leicester found themselves trailing 27–18 at the end of the opening quarter.
Credit: Leicester Riders Media
Riders Fight Back but Sharks Hold Firm
The Riders showed signs of life in the second, with Victor Ndoukou and Johnson beginning to find rhythm offensively.
Menzies continued to dominate inside with another emphatic dunk, while Travis Evee sparked a mini-run to cut the deficit to a single possession.
However, Sheffield’s ball movement and perimeter shooting proved decisive, with Jordan Ratinho and Nick Kern Jr hitting key shots to maintain control.
A late connection between Evee and Boardman-Raffet for three kept Leicester within touching distance, but the Sharks led 51–41 at halftime.
Credit: Leicester Riders Media
Evee Inspires Riders Surge
Leicester came out with renewed energy after the break, led by a standout spell from Travis Evee.
The guard caught fire from beyond the arc, knocking down back-to-back threes to ignite the home crowd, while his relentless effort created opportunities for Johnson and Boardman-Raffet.
As Sheffield’s outside shooting cooled, the Riders capitalised, with improved defensive pressure and transition play turning the tide.
A huge third quarter saw Leicester overturn the deficit and take a narrow 63–61 lead heading into the final period.
Credit: Leicester Riders Media | Nathan Green
Fine Margins Decide the Contest
The final quarter delivered playoff intensity, with both sides trading blows in a tense finish.
Tomide Akinsiku provided a big defensive moment with a strong block, while Johnson’s hustle plays and transition scoring kept Leicester in front.
Evee continued to orchestrate the offence, linking up effectively with Menzies and Boardman-Raffet, as neither side could create separation.
With under a minute remaining, the game was tied at 78–78. A crucial defensive call went Sharks way, allowing them to edge ahead from the free-throw line.
Despite late opportunities, the Riders were unable to respond, as the Sharks closed out an 81–78 victory.
Credit: Leicester Riders Media
Looking Ahead
While Leicester will be disappointed not to take a first-leg advantage, the narrow margin keeps the tie very much alive.
With everything still to play for, the Riders now turn their attention to the second leg in Sheffield on Sunday, where they will need another strong performance to overturn the deficit and keep their playoff hopes alive.
Despite the score line Head Coach Rob Paternostro praised his team’s ability to get to the line, with some small adjustments needed to overturn the one-possession game it’s all to play for.
