Riders on the road for friendly run-out
TEAM TRAVELS TO BRISTOL FOR WARM-UP GAME TONIGHT
It’s been a long time since these guys were able to play a competitive game
Rob Paternostro
LEICESTER Riders were today travelling to Bristol for their second pre-season game.
Riders will face Bristol Flyers behind closed doors at the SGS Wise Arena at 7.30pm.
Head coach Rob Paternostro’s men opened their pre-season with a 66-70 defeat to Sheffield Sharks at the Morningside Arena, Leicester, on Friday.
With spectators still not allowed, and the start of the regular season delayed as a result, the match was played behind closed doors but streamed to Riders and Sharks fans.
Corey Johnson led the scoring with 15 points for the Riders, Geno Crandall added 13 points on his Riders debut whilst fellow debutant Zach Jackson and forward Jamell Anderson both added 10.
“It was good for the guys to get a run-out,” said Paternostro. “It’s been a long time since these guys were able to play a competitive game.
“You could see we were a bit rusty and we know we have ways to go to get to where we want to be, the more games the better before the real season starts.
“We missed having the fans there with us but we were pleased to hear that they were able to tune in to watch us on the stream in good numbers.
“We look forward to getting back on court against Bristol. It’s another good opportunity for the guys to compete.”
Among the star men for the Flyers is Raphell Thomas-Edwards, who in the summer committed his future to the club after agreeing a new oneyear deal.
The British forward, who made the step up from NBL Division One last season, has signed until the end of the 2020-21 season.
He made 12 league appearances for the Flyers last season, averaging 8.8 points and 5.7 rebounds per game.