ITEC Game Preview » Leicester Riders (H)

• Date: Friday, October 8th
• Tip-off: 7.30pm
• Where: SGS College Arena
• Tickets: SOLD OUT
• Watch online: Tune in FREE on BBL Player

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Leicester Riders are the oldest professional club in British Basketball and are founding members of BBL. They have had consistent success in the past decade with four BBL play-off wins, two cup wins and two trophy wins. 

Riders won the league title in the BBL championship last season with a 24-6 record. They lost out to eventual winners Newcastle Eagles in the play-off semi-finals. 

Riders have returned several key players from their successful previous season including BBL MVP Geno Crandall, Captain Darien Nelson-Henry, GB international Conner Washington and big man Mo Walker.

Coach Rob Paternostro has turned Leicester into one of the most consistent teams in the league, having never finished lower than fourth during his tenure at the helm. A former player in the BBL with Birmingham Bullets and Leicester Riders, Paternostro is one of a select few men to have won the BBL Coach of the Year on more than one occasion.

New addition Marc Loving has been lighting it up for Riders so far in their cup campaign. The forward is averaging 15.5 points and 7.5 rebounds across their early games. 

His three point shooting has been exceptional with a 70% average on five attempts per game, so Flyers will need to ensure they don’t leave him open on the perimeter. He had a team high 21 points in Riders win against Surrey Scorchers.

Bristol Flyers won a thrilling 84-85 victory at the Morningside Arena in their season opener. A game-winning three from Josh Rogers ended a late comeback effort from Leicester. 

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