‘I’m incredibly proud of the way the guys kept battling’
PATERNOSTRO HAILS RIDERS TEAM AFTER DEFEAT IN PLAY-OFF FINAL
LEICESTER Riders’ extraordinary run at the end-of-season BBL Playoff Final came to an end on Sunday afternoon when they were beaten 88-80 by the hot favourites London Lions.
IT was May 2016 when Riders last tasted defeat in The O2 Arena, and they battled hard before going down to the BBL treble winners.
With less than a minute left in the game, Riders cut Lions’ lead to five points at 83-78 and had all the momentum.
Ace marksman Marc Loving then had an open three-point shot, which looked certain to drop, and cut the lead to a single basket, but his shot rolled around the ring and then agonisingly popped out.
With that, the Riders’ long run of success at The O2 was over.
Riders will rue missing 16 free throws, particularly as they led the BBL in free throw shooting, and their shooting from distance was also below par, making just five of 24 three-pointers.
That was another category where Riders were league leaders.
There was little else to separate the teams in terms of shooting percentages, rebounds, assists or turnovers.
Riders head coach Rob Paternostro was understandably a little disappointed that his team was unable to seize the opportunity.
“There is no question we had them rattled in that final quarter, and the momentum was with us,” he said.
“But you have to take your chances when they are there, and we did not in the end.
“Making just 21 of 37 free throws was incredibly disappointing, particularly when we worked so hard at it.
“But we got really good looks and kept them under pressure.
“I am incredibly proud of these guys and the way they kept battling.
“Zach Jackson showed what a heart he had, with 20 points and nine rebounds, and he just never gave an inch.
“And Carrington Love showed again how he has come on since joining us just before the BBL Cup final. It has been a challenging season with long-term injuries to two of our most experienced players, Conner Washington and Mo Walker.
“But the guys adjusted and showed their qualities. To take a team like London, operating at a different level to anyone else, right to the limit was exceptional.
“Our guys never gave up and gave it everything they had. Our club should be hugely proud of them.
“And my thanks once again to the travelling Riders supporters.
“They made themselves heard in that vast arena, and it inspired our guys.”