‘We expected a tough weekend and that is what we were given’
TAKING THE POSITIVES OUT OF A WEEKEND WHEN WINNING STREAK ENDED
LEICESTER Riders head coach Rob Paternostro was sanguine after his team split of pair of games against the Worcester Wolves in the BBL Championship at the weekend, bringing to a halt their 11 game winning streak in the league.
However, Riders remain six points clear at the top of the league, after London Lions lost away at Sheffield Sharks on Sunday.
Riders got limited minutes in Sunday’s game from forward William Lee, who is still recovering from a leg injury, and star guard Geno Crandall fouled out early in the fourth quarter on Sunday.
“We knew what a good side Worcester have, and we were two starters down, with our replacement, Mustafa Heron just flown in on Thursday, so we expected a tough weekend and got it,” said Paternostro.
“Worcester have a lot of talent and play smart basketball and I expect them to move up the table.
“Jamell Anderson was exceptional on defence all weekend and, on Friday, Corey Johnson was also superb, especially with his shooting.
“On Friday night, Geno Crandall made some tremendous passes late in the game and he set up Corey for the winner.
“It was a nice win, but we knew that would get a reaction from Worcester on Sunday.
“We did not shoot the ball well from distance all afternoon at their place, and that put pressure on everything else we did.
“It was a close game throughout with both teams having spells.
“But Geno picked up the charge, and then we picked up three technical fouls, and he fouled out and so we were in a huge hole.
“I did not like any of the calls, including the charge call on Geno, but we reacted as a team really well.
“Conner Washington, who had not been at his best all weekend, took over late in the game and set us up with a chance to win, in spite of all that happened before.
“Unfortunately, we missed one free throw late to take the game to overtime, and they got a chance to win in the last second of overtime and took it.
“That is the way it goes sometimes but I was proud of how the team came back from adversity.
“They never quit and kept believing right to the end.”
“Now we need to get into the gym and gets some practice in with Heron, and get Lee back fit.”
Riders are next in action away against Cheshire Phoenix in the BBL Championship on Friday evening (5pm).
It is the first time the teams have met this season, although they did play in pre-season, with Riders coming out on top.
But since then, Cheshire have significantly strengthened the team.
RESULTS:
Cheshire Phoenix 74 Surrey
Scorchers 76; Manchester Giants 89 Bristol Flyers 93; Glasgow Rocks 67 Plymouth Raiders 92; Sheffield Sharks 83 London Lions 72.