Riders take on Sharks looking for season sweep

If the open shots had fallen, the Riders would have won – that’s the feeling in the Jelson Homes DMU Leicester Riders camp following their 89-79 home defeat to the Glasgow Rocks. And although some may perceive it as arrogance, it is anything but.

Paternostro’s men are simply confident in their own ability and confident that the numbers don’t lie:

In a 12 game sample stretching back to the beginning of December 2011, when the Riders shoot 50% or more they have a 100% record. When they shoot below 50%, they have won only 16% of their games. Against the Rocks the Riders shot 47%.

But don’t take anything away from a Glasgow team who who played well for the second straight game against Leicester and were consistent in their effort and execution throughout.

Drew Sullivan is likely to return to the Riders line-up after recovering from a back injury that sidelined him for the loss to the Rocks. He was moving freely during practice this week and smart money is on the GB forward to play big minutes on Saturday.

Sharks coach Atiba Lyons, will be throwing a different look at the Riders on Saturday having released former front court force, Justin Dobbins, since the two teams met last month. Assured point guard and former Shark, Ryan Patton will be running the show for Sheffield having returned to the club just over two weeks ago and it will be he who poses the biggest threat to the Riders backcourt:

“He’s a playmaker, a deadly shooter and a guy who has won a lot of games in this league” Paternostro said. “I think Atiba (Lyons, Sharks coach) decided that he wanted to get better in the back court and to bring in a guy with that experience is a plus.”

Tip-off is at 7:30pm at the John Sandford Sports Centre and tickets can be bought online at www.leicesterriders.co.uk up until midday on game day or on the door (limited availability).