Riders welcome under pressure Lions
There’s a lot of history between the Jelson Homes DMU Leicester Riders and the Prestige Homes Milton Keynes Lions with players from either side swapping jerseys and you can be sure that on Saturday 24th March at the John Sandford Sports Centre, another chapter will be written.
Coming into the game, Coach Paternostro’s Riders have been playing well since the last time the two teams met (99-96 win for the Riders) but recording indifferent results (3 wins and 3 losses in that period), while Head Honcho of the Lions, Mike New, has seen his side drop 8 of 9 games dating back to February 3rd. That woeful run of form has placed New under pressure to make sure his side don’t slip out of the play-off race to with the Cheshire Jets one win and one game in hand away from dislodging them.
When it comes to play-off talk, the Riders have had the opportunity to relax a little, having secured their play-off birth following their win over the Glasgow Rocks. But just because Paternostro’s team have guaranteed a play-off birth, does not mean he will allow his team to switch off.
“We know that they’re (MK Lions) a team that can play very, very well at times. They have a lot of good players, they have competed well and played well against us this season. We’re under no illusions that this game will be a tough one.” said Paternostro.
“Last weekend and this weekend there has been a concerted effort on our part. Brett’s a good rebounder in the minutes he’s played this year. He’s done very well on the boards. But with him being out it’s not just down to the player replacing him in his position, it’s about all players rebounding.”
“It’s very important that we limit teams to one shot. If we can do that, then we feel that we have a good chance to get out and run and get good looks on the offensive end.”
The Riders offense is currently racking up 87.3 points per game whilst limiting opponents to 77.3ppg (the best in the league). The Lions are averaging 86.7points per game and giving up 88.7 ppg, the highest number of points given up in the league.
The Riders Brett Royster will be a game time decision following an ankle injury sustained against the Newcastle Eagles on March 9th.
Tickets for the game can be bought on the door at the John Sandford Sports Centre. Tip-off is at 7:30PM.
