Jets rally late but Riders take the win

A thrilling final quarter almost produced a shock comeback for Cheshire Jets at home to Leicester Riders in the BBL Championship, but were to suffer defeat in the end 73-80.

After both sides losing the previous night, neither coach wanted to end the evening with two back-to-back losses for the weekend.

The first quarter saw neither side want to take control of the game. Poor shooting from both teams, Cheshire from open play and Leicester from the charity stripe, really hurt the scoreline. When the points did tally, it took until Colin O’Reilly was fouled whilst shooting just over halfway into the quarter for the home side to edge the lead. Riders’ Jamell Anderson could have hoped for a better start as he missed all four of his free throws.

With the score at 14-13 going into the second quarter, early points from Cameron Rundles and Matt Schneck opened the play, before an 8-0 run by the visitors. Adam Brown for the Jets helped claw back to be within four, until Bradd Wierzbicki turned up the heat. The final five minutes of the quarter saw Riders again take the game to Cheshire with an outstanding 18-8 run, with Wierzbicki taking the spoils bagging himself nine points, including a late three pointer.

Coming out for the third period possession was back and forth, but Cheshire brought the game back in reach to single digits with Schneck and Bill Cole. Coach Paternostro received a technical foul after an altercation with one of the referees. It looked like the Jets were determined to haul themselves back into the game, and with 6:03 left on the clock, Riders’ lead was cut to just six points (40-46).

A much needed time-out for Leicester swung the momentum back in their favour going on an 11-1 run. During this period, Riders were placed in foul trouble, but Cheshire were not able to capitialise upon it. It was hard for the Jets to stay in touch, especially with Wierzbicki’s tenancity. A three from the game’s top scorer towards the end of the quarter left the scores 47-64 to the visitors.

If there was ever to be a comeback, it was going to take a lot of effort and determination; just what Cheshire were about to deliver.

Initially a three pointer from Andrew Sullivan may have led some to believe the lead would have been further extended, however points were traded before O’Reilly sunk a three, followed by another from Brown shortly after. Keith Page was able to bring the score back into single figures again (61-70). It was becoming ever possible that the home side could pull off a shock, and the crowd began to get behind the team.

Points traded, before O’Reilly was fouled on shooting but missed the chance from the free throw line to close the gap to six. Ayron Hardy, a constant threat throughout the game, pushed it out to nine again before Schneck from the line after shooting pulled the score to just six.

Sullivan missed his two free throws and up stepped captain O’Reilly to hit a three and the prospect of one basket to tie the game was on with just 36.5 seconds on the clock. However, when Leicester did hold the ball, it was worked around the court with ease, and Brett Royster was on hand to collect a missed shot and slammed it in to take a five point lead with only seconds to go.

Wierzbicki finished out the game, 73-80, with two from the line after being fouled resulting in a disappointing end for the home side, who were in touching distance of making one of the comebacks of the season so far.

Cheshire Jets : 14, 28, 47, 73
Leicester Riders: 13, 42, 61, 80
Jets: O’Reilly (22), Schneck (21), Cole (13)
Riders: Wierzbicki (23), Hardy (16), Sullivan (12)