Riders looks to make it two out of two when Worcester Wolves visit Leicester
The Riders have a 9-2 record against the Wolves under coach Paternostro with the most recent win coming on the road only days after Christmas, a victory that was memorable for the offensive outburst during the third quarter, a 2:48 spell which saw Cameron Rundles net 10 of the teams 20 points. Since that defeat, Coach Paul James’ side have toughened their resolve, winning 12 of their last 14 games.
Right now, the Jelson Homes DMU Leicester Riders are playing for position in the play-offs having secured their invite to the dance in a win over the Rocks 12 days ago. In theory they can still drop to fifth place by the end of the season but the reality is that they will be looking to finish third or above.
In recent weeks, the Riders appear to have turned a corner, finding once again the free-flowing, free scoring basketball that was on display in the early weeks of the season, locking teams down on defence before getting out on the break, pushing the tempo and forcing the game into a transition affair where the Riders can utilise their athleticism in the front court and on the wings. The team appear to be hitting form at just the right time as they head into the home straight of the regular season:
“Over the last few weeks on both ends of the floor, our versatility and depth are showing,” said Coach Paternostro. “We’ve been getting contributions (from everyone) and I think that will be very important as we play eight games in 23 days. When you play that number of games in such a short period of time, you want to be able to utilise your bench and that has been a positive for me.”
Royster’s status for the game is still unknown with Coach Paternostro unsure at present if the injured big man will play this week, saying “We’re monitoring his situation day-by-day and we’re hopeful he’ll be back sooner rather than later.” While the last remaining centre on the team, Barry Lamble, appreciates the difficulty not having Royster brings the coach:
“It’s been harder since Brett has been out because Rob might not want to start me in case I pick up two quick fouls and can’t use me later on.”
The Worcester Wolves excellent beat writer, Damian Cooper, has given his insight into what the Riders can expect to see from them:
“Wolves most comprehensive defeat at home this season was dealt to them by the Riders with a second twenty that saw Cameron Rundles’ hands almost glow with the heat.
Since (and indeed before) that game it is individual performances of that nature that have seen the Wolves take all comers apart. Defence is the key to this one for Worcester and whether Sherrad Prezzie-Blue can dominate his opposite number.
Freeman is attracting attention for his treys and high scoring games but Freeman’s work under his own basket is a very big part of his (and Worcester’s) game.
The Riders’ bigs will find it hard to dominate Gordon and the Centre could be the difference maker in this one if Wolves are to come back to campus with the two points. Saying that, one thing I do know is that I don’t know who will be the player that ultimately makes the difference. As well as those mentioned, Kaslauskas, Jones, Watts and Fernandez can all hurt you on the night and that strength in depth has seen Worcester go 8 from 8 and remain second in the Championship. Where they finish in the table is in Worcester’s hands, and to keep it that way they need to take one of the two games against the Riders in the last four weeks of the regular season.”
The game is being played at the John Sandford Sports Centre with tip-off coming at 7:30PM.
