‘We’re a little closer to glory, but there is still lots for us to do’
TITLE IS IN SIGHT AS LONG AS WE DO OUR JOBS, SAYS PATERNOSTRO
LEICESTER Riders eliminated another competitor for the league title chase when they outlasted Plymouth Raiders 93-85 after overtime and increased their lead at the top of the BBL Championship.
Now only London Lions stand between Riders and their fifth Championship title, with Riders having four games remaining, and needing two victories - or just one if they beat London in their final match-up.
Three of those remaining games are away at London, Newcastle and Cheshire, with a single home game versus Glasgow.
London, meanwhile, have seven games left, the next four at home and the final three away. In addition to Riders, London have still to play Cheshire, Surrey, Bristol, Glasgow, Manchester and Sheffield.
The Lions currently have a fivegame winning streak in the Championship, but head coach Rob Paternostro hailed his team for the win over the in-form Raiders.
“It was our third game in six days, and we were up against a team in Plymouth with a big squad and playing tremendous, winning basketball.
“We knew it was going to be a tough night and they really battered us on the boards, but I still thought we were pretty much in control of the game in the first half, and it was really only the offensive rebounds that kept them in it.
“The third quarter was a bit back and forth, with both defences really on top, but they took command late in the game with a bunch of three pointers and our backs were to the wall.
“But I called a timeout with 49 seconds left and we were down four points, and everyone stayed positive. We needed a quick basket, and credit to Geno Crandall, he flew down the court and scored in seconds.
“We played some great defence at the death, Conner Washington forced a couple of turnovers, and Darien Nelson-Henry made a huge score. Our captain has been tremendous for us all season long, and he did it again against the Raiders with crucial scores.
“The overtime was another great five minutes of basketball and when Will Neighbour hit a three for them with 90 seconds left to edge them ahead, it was vital we replied.
“We got a big three from Conner and then took it from there.
“It was a huge win for us, but at this stage of the season every game is huge. We are a little closer to our goal but still with lots to do and with four big games left. It is vital we don’t get ahead of ourselves but take it one game at a time.
“I don’t see London losing any games against the other teams, looking at their schedule, so it is up to us to continue to perform.
Riders are next in action on Friday night in Newcastle against the Eagles in the live Sky TV match.
Newcastle are out of the running for the title, but have qualified for the play-offs, and will not be looking to do any favours against the archrivals.
Riders have won the two games in the Championship against the Eagles, but Newcastle knocked Riders out of the BBL Cup and went on to win the silverware.