‘Dark horses’ looking forward to play-off campaign

LEICESTER Riders have launched their Dark Horse campaign for the upcoming British Basketball League play-offs.

The Riders enter the post-season tournament as the fifth seeds, and look to start their run to the finals at the O2 Arena, which take place on Sunday, May 19.

The new play-off format features a best-of-three format in the first two rounds.

Despite a league campaign which failed to reach the heights of previous years, the Riders will now start afresh as they face Sheffield Sharks away on Sunday (4pm) in what they will hope will be the first part of a run to the final in London. The second leg of the tie will be played at Mattioli Arena on May 4 (6pm).

If necessary, a deciding game three will be played in Sheffield on a date yet to be decided.

Riders finished fifth, with 18 wins and 18 losses, while Sharks were fourth, after 19 wins and 17 losses.

Riders’ managing director Russell Levenston said: “We’re excited to launch our Dark Horse campaign ahead of the upcoming play-offs.

“The post-season represents a fresh campaign and we’re looking forward to getting started.

“As a club, we always feel confident in our ability to win every competition we enter, and these play-offs are no different.

“Thank you to all of our fans for their incredible support this season. We’ll give it everything we’ve got to give you another trip to the O2 Arena.”

Tickets for the Riders first round home fixture will be on sale shortly.

Thanks to sponsors at RDL Technologies, Vertu Motors, Torr Waterfield, Jelson Holmes and EverythingBranded, the first 1,200 fans at the arena for the home game on May 4 will receive a free Dark Horse Riders t-shirt,