Report: Bristol Flyers 70-80 Leicester Riders

Despite an 18-point six-assist performance by Hameed Ali, Bristol were unable to secure their second win of the season.

Bristol hosted the league-leading Leicester Riders at SGS WISE Arena looking for the win to notch a .500 record before heading to Glasgow for their final game of October.

First blood to Riders, as the visitors scored three early open three-pointers from Andrew Thomson, Taylor King and Tyler Bernardini.

Leicester were impressive in the early goings, building a double-digit lead on shooting 50% for the quarter.

Flyers put a run together of their own with a Brandon Boggs up and under lay-up, a Mike Vigor spin move and finger roll for the score and two converted free throws from Lovell Cook.

Riders increased their pressure defensively by applying a full-court press, but the Flyers pushed the break for open looks.

The short offensive flurry cut the deficit to five, as the opening quarter wound down 15-20.

Leicester’s continued success at the three-point line was felt, scoring two threes within the first minute of the period.

Although Riders stuck with their full-court defensive pressure, Flyers were able to capitalise and advance up the court , not allowing the defence to set.

Fast ball movement got Flyers some high percentage shots. Daniel Edozie cashed in on a give-and-go lay-up and Greg Streete found the net with an open three-pointer.

Flyers deployed their own tough defence, coming up with loose balls and extra possessions. Extra possessions meant more opportunities to score and Bristol took them.

Hameed Ali, on his way to eight first-half points, scored two three-pointers in quick succession to give the home team a slender lead into the break 37-35.

The third quarter began at a ferocious pace, with three lead changes within the first minute, as both squads looked to take control of the game.

The visitors came up trumps behind six quick points from Bernardini. Riders added to their offensive onslaught, driving their lead to 11 points.

Bernardini could be heard screaming his number for his shot, resulting in another three and a time from Coach K.

Another ten seconds and the lead ballooned to 16, as Leicester put their stamp on the third quarter.

Bristol shot back with two three-pointers of their own, from Ali and Streete respectively. But the third quarter belonged to Leicester, who headed into the fourth quarter leading by 14 points, 51-66.

Flyers came into the final period facing a task, to come back from double digits against the only undefeated team left in the BBL.

Bristol outscored Leicester by five points in the first three minutes of the fourth quarter, slowly closing the gap.

Crisp ball movement again freed Flyers up, Streete scoring his third three-pointer of the game and Edozie scoring inside. Ali topped the run scoring again from beyond the arc.

Bristol fought hard offensively, cutting Riders’ lead to seven late in the fourth. But that's as close as Flyers would get, as Leicester sealed the win 70-80.

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