RIDERS’ LEAGUE FIXTURES ARE PUBLISHED
LEICESTER WILL REACH BBL CUP QUARTER-FINALS IF EAGLES BEAT SHARKS ON SUNDAY
LEICESTER Riders are on the verge of progressing to the quarter-finals of the BBL Cup after splitting a pair of matches at the weekend.
An under-strength Riders were very impressive in handling Sheffield Sharks away, winning by a comfortable 21 points, and battled hard at the Copper Box on Sunday before eventually succumbing to London, although they retained their edge over the Lions in the head-to-head.
It means they currently top the North Group, with one game to play at home to Sheffield.
But bizarrely Riders are not yet absolutely certain of progressing, but equally they could finish top of the group of death.
If they beat Sheffield in their final group match they will go through as group winners, and only a catastrophic defeat to the Sharks could mean they are out of the competition.
Before then, Riders will be through if Newcastle beat Sheffield this Sunday in the Eagles’ final group match, and the Sharks will fail to qualify.
Head coach Rob Paternostro was pleased with the way the Riders went about their business in Sheffield.
“I thought we were very solid. It is the sign of a good team to win by 20-plus and still feel like you had more to give.
“I thought defensively at times we were very good and our shooting was solid too. Our three point shooting came up big.
“It was a good win on the road with us down bodies, and it puts us in a great position in the group, especially with our points differential.
“For Sunday in London we had only one day to prepare, and we had focused on not turning the ball over.
“And, of course, we started the game doing just that, with the very early start.
“London did a good job getting in the passing lanes at times too, but turnovers really hurt us early at both ends of the floor.
“But our guys battled and got back to within five at the half.
“It was a winnable game, but I have to say London were really good at timely three point shooting.
“They made 14 threes, they made bank shots, and they made underhand shots.
“They made all kinds of shots and when they are shooting like that, the Lions are at another level, and it will be tough for anyone to turn them over.
“Our limited bench was a factor and I give our guys credit – they were banged up, but they did not quit.
“It was a tough loss to a very good team but we kept the head-to-head margin in our favour.”
Riders now have the weekend off, with Conner Washington away with the GB team in France at EuroBasket.
“We need some time off so the break comes at a good time for us,” Paternostro added.
“We have guys like Zach Jackson carrying injuries for a few weeks now so it will help with his recovery and maybe we can get in a replacement or two.”
■ Leicester Riders Women duo of Christina Gaskin and Kate Oliver have been selected in the WBBL All Star Five following Riders impressive win over neighbours Nottingham Wildcats.
The only non-starter in the All Star Five, Gaskin shot perfectly, and with perfect symmetry, to provide a spark for her Riders team.
The other star in Leicester’s win was Kate Oliver, who did a bit of everything including leading her team with 14 points.