2 x 4 point quarters = Tigers loss as Riders win, 79-40

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Jelson Homes DMU Leicester Riders 79 – 40 Mersey Tigers

BBL Championship

Saturday 17th November

Starting Fives:

Riders: Sullivan, Taylor, Losonsky, Anderson, Couisnard

Tigers: Bigley, Hulsen, McGinn, Calvo, Pilkington

A second quarter defensive lock down by the Jelson Homes DMU Leicester Riders ensured that the battling Mersey Tigers remained win-less so far this season, as the Riders recorded a resounding 79-40 win on Saturday night at the John Sandford Sports Centre.

The win for Coach Paternostro’s Riders sent them four points clear at the top of the table and will allow them to stay top for at least another week as their nearest rivals have played less games than them.

The match-up at the JSSC started evenly for both sides as the Mersey Tigers got off to a strong start, taking the lead midway through the opening quarter before going into the second period down by only four at 19-15.

But if the first 10 minutes were promising for the visitors, the next 10 will want to be forgotten in a hurry.

Eight turnovers and as many missed shots (2/10) in the second period, left the Tigers struggling to stay afloat as a four point deficit rocketed to 24 at the half as the Riders exerted their dominance and took control of the game.

With no John Fraley and no debut from new signing Anthony Rowe, the Riders worked as a team on the boards as they out rebounded their opponents 52-29, as the Tigers shot 25% for the game, visiting the free throw line only twice on the night.

Despite a much improved third period by Coach Walsh’s side, the damage had already been done as the home town Riders entered the final period with a comfortable 22 point margin, a lead they extended in the final period as they again held the Tigers to only four points (1/13 shooting) in the quarter, winning in impressive fashion 79-40.

The Riders’ Pavol Losonsky had 13 point and 14 rebounds, while Connor Washington led all scorers with 24 points.
For Mersey, Gael Hulsen top scored with 13 points.

Game MVP:

Jelson Homes DMU Leicester Riders Connor Washington.

Next up:

Jelson Homes DMU Leicester Riders vs Durham Wildcats, BBL Championship, Saturday 24th November, John Sandford Sports Centre, 7:30pm

Mersey Tigers at Surrey Heat, BBL Championship, Friday 23rd November, Surrey Sports Park, 7:30pm