‘Fans are key to Lion rivalry’ says Riders coach

With the Milton Keynes Lions recent move to London and subsequent name change, there is a danger that the long-standing feud with BBL rivals, the Jelson Homes DMU Leicester Riders, will fizzle out due to the added distance.

Over the years a combination of close fought wins and players swapping sides has helped increase the intensity and create one of the most heated fixtures in recent BBL history.

Last years games saw two heart stopping finishes with the Lions beating the Riders in Leicester on an Adrien Sturt three in the corner to claim a close 77-75 win, while Coach Paternostro’s men gained revenge in Milton Keynes in front of a passionate crowd, as a clutch triple from point guard Cameron Rundles helped the Riders win 99-96.

Paternostro hopes the rivalry will continue despite the added distance between the two sides and believes the fans play will a big role in keeping the competitive fires burning.

“Being involved and playing Milton Keynes, it’s been great,’ said the fifth year Head Coach. “The games have been great. It’s had a real college basketball type atmosphere.

“I feel bad for those fans. They have supported the club not only at home but on the road. It will be interesting to see if their fans continue to follow them in London.”

The two clubs will resume their rivalry on the 13th October when they meet in the league at the John Sandford Sports Centre.

To see all of the Lions BBL fixtures click here. For the Riders schedule, click here.