Riders squeeze past stubborn Wildcats, 79-74

by UK American Sports Fans

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BBL League Championship

Sunday 21 October

Durham Wildcats 74 – 79 Jelson Homes DMU Leicester Riders

Click here for the boxscore

Durham Wildcats: Keister, Elderkin, Baldarelli, Bucci, Guinane
Leicester Riders: Sullivan, Taylor, Couisnard, Fraley, Losonsky

The Jelson Homes DMU Leicester Riders were made to fight every step of the way to retain their unbeaten start to the season but in the end, they held on to beat the Durham Wildcats, 79-74.

In what was a complete turnaround from the 16 point loss to the Sheffield Sharks only two days earlier, Coach Elderkin’s Wildcats pushed Coach Paternostro’s Riders from the opening tip to the final buzzer only to fall six points shy of a win and their second victory of the season.

The win for the visitors was their fifth of the season and came less than 24 hours after their comprehensive victory over the Worcester Wolves in Leicester on Saturday.

The game at the Newton Aycliffe LC started brightly for the Riders as they jumped out to an early 10-2 lead. But following the eight point deficit, the Wildcats kept the score close, even holding a four point advantage heading towards half-time. But a Sullivan free throw and Taylor triple ensured the score was tied at 38 heading into the break.

After the half, another eight point Riders lead midway through the third quarter indicated that last seasons league runners-up were looking to put the game out of reach as quickly as possible but eight points from Keith Page before the fourth quarter helped trim the Riders lead to four as both sides regrouped for the final 10 minutes.

Credit must go to the Wildcats in this contest who, behind Page’s game high 24 points, refused to give up in front of their home fans and were only beaten when a desperation three from Page with 16 seconds left failed to connect. That miss left the Riders with breathing room and in the end a Zaire Taylor (21 points) free throw sealed the win for the visitors as they returned to Leicester with a 79-74 victory.

Game MVP:

Andrew Sullivan showed how invaluable he is to the Leicester Riders in the fourth quarter as he contributed in all areas, eventually finishing the game with 16 points, six rebounds and six assists but more importantly, win number five.

Next up:

Newcastle Eagles vs Jelson Homes DMU Leicester Riders, Friday 26th October, 19:30, Sport Central

Durham Wildcats vs Mersey Tigers, Sunday 28th October, 16:00, Newton Aycliffe LC