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Game Report: Caledonia Gladiators 84-83 Leicester Riders

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12 months ago

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Moore scored with two seconds left as Caledonia edged Leicester 84-83 at PlaySport on Sunday evening.

Kimbal MacKenzie had the chance to sneak the visitors over the line, but his attempt missed the mark.

Patrick Whelan led the winners with 24 points.

Caledonia Gladiators starting five: Ian Dubose, Prince Onwas, Patrick Whelan,

Leicester Riders starting five: Miryne Thomas, Xavier Pinson, Caleb Asberry, Jaren Holmes, Braelen Bridges, Fahro Alihodzic.

First Half

With the main talking point being Whelan’s first game against his old club, the question was how he would approach the game.

The answer was aggressive. The Great Britain international hit an awkward jumper from the top as the shot clock expired, along with getting to the foul line as the Gladiators built up a 24-16 cushion with 3:08 left in the first.

But the Riders fought back, and a 12-2 finish to the quarter, highlighted by a four-point play from Conner Washington, stole the lead from the hosts.

Washington was able to connect on two three-pointers in the early stages of the second, as Leicester kept their stranglehold on the game.

However, Caledonia were threatening and, despite trailing for most of the second period, finally tied things up at 44-44 on the half-time horn as Clifton Moore Jr. connected.

Second Half

Moore’s buzzer-beater ignited a flame within Caledonia as they came out the blocks on a 12-2 stretch, capped by a triple from Lukas Palyza that saw them lead 58-48.

Riders were unable to execute offensively as they were in danger of fading away. Under adversity, Leicester hit back as Caledonia were defensively caught napping and as the third quarter concluded, Blake Bowman was able to hit to narrow the gap to 67-63.

The fourth quarter was nip-and-tuck with the biggest lead for either team only being three points and emotions pouring.

It was all about who could hold their nerve when it matters most.

Whelan got the crowd of 1,200 on its feet with a three-pointer to give the Gladiators an 82-81 lead with 30 seconds left, only for MacKenzie to answer with a pull-up jumper.

The stage was then set for Moore – who only had one field goal at the time – to shine. And he delivered.

Bowman led Leicester with 15 points.

Player of the Game

Against his old club, Patrick Whelan put the Riders to the sword with 24 points and was able to grab today’s Player of the Game.

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Star-studded entertainment lineup revealed for the 2024 British Basketball League Trophy Final Fours weekend

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12 months ago

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November 26, 2023

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We are proud to announce an incredible entertainment lineup for the 2024 Trophy Final Fours Weekend, with the Men’s Trophy Semi-Finals taking place on Saturday, January 27, and the Men’s and Women’s Trophy Finals on Sunday, January 28, 2024, at the Utilita Arena Birmingham.

As the basketball world converges on Birmingham for this coveted and highly anticipated event, the League is committed to delivering an unforgettable experience.

A star-studded lineup

Blending the excitement of top-tier basketball with outstanding live acts, fans will be treated to musical halftime performances from Birmingham’s very own Lady Leshurr and Jaykae on the Sunday.

Additionally, the entertainment lineup boasts a dance performance by the internationally acclaimed Flawless Dance Group following the Women’s Final, the gravity-defying acrobatics of Les Barjots Dunkers at halftime during Saturday’s first Semi-Final, and a halftime showcase performance from AshOnCam during Saturday’s second Semi-Final.

This array of talent is sure to delight fans with an extraordinary fusion of sporting excellence and artistic brilliance throughout the event.

Women’s Final Halftime Show: Jaykae Takes to the Court

Birmingham-born and bred, the acclaimed grime artist Jaykae will grace the stage during the halftime show of the Women’s Betty Codona Trophy Final. Celebrated for his lyrical prowess, Jaykae’s hits collection includes the singles Every Country, Moscow and Toothache.

He has collaborated with some of the UK’s biggest artists, including Ed Sheeran and Skepta, and has supported the likes of Stormzy and performed on stage with Drake. His appearance at the Women’s Finals promises to add a local touch to the event as he proudly represents his hometown.

Flawlessly Warming Up the Court for the Men’s Final

Following the Women’s Trophy Final, the stage will be set for an incredible dance performance by the internationally renowned group, Flawless. Renowned for their impeccable synchronisation and innovative choreography, the Britain’s Got Talent Finalists are set to charge up the audience in anticipation of the Men’s Final.

Men’s Final Halftime Show: Lady Leshurr Takes Centre Stage

MOBO Award winner, Lady Leshurr, will headline the halftime show during the Men’s Trophy Final. Since breaking onto the scene in 2015 with her Queen Speech freestyle series, Lady Leshurr has hit the big-time musically, and has been a regular on our TV screens too.

Beyond her hit records and collaborations with the likes of Will.i.am an Nicki Minaj, the rap star reached the Dancing on Ice Semi-Finals and is also the new host of MTV’s Pimp My Ride.

On performing at Birmingham’s biggest halftime show in January, Lady Leshurr said: “I was here as a fan at last year’s Final and it was an incredible day of basketball. I’m super excited to perform in front of a sell-out crowd at the Utilita Arena Birmingham. Any time you get to perform in an event this big is amazing and given it taking place in Birmingham makes it extra special for me.”

Taking to the court to perform in front of his hometown, Jaykae said: I’m honoured to be one of the acts performing in such a prestigious event like the Trophy Final in a city that means a lot to me. The competition is always fiercely contested and I’m looking forward to seeing who wins the first bragging rights of the season.”

Tickets and Event Information

The 2024 British Basketball League Trophy Final Fours Weekend promises an exciting mix of basketball excellence and a feast of entertainment. Saturday will showcase two Men’s Semi-Finals games, where four teams battle it out on the court to reach Sunday’s Final. Fans attending on Sunday will be treated to a double-header, with the Women’s Final and Men’s Final both taking place that day.

From Thursday 23 – Sunday 26 November, there is 30% off for Black Friday, with tickets starting from £17.50. Fans are encouraged to secure their tickets early to be part of this spectacular celebration of basketball and music.

Schedule

Saturday: Men’s Semi-Final 1 Halftime: Barjots Acrobatic Dunkers

Saturday: Men’s Semi-Final 2 Halftime: AshOnCam Performance

Sunday: Women’s Trophy Final Halftime: Jaykae Performance

Sunday: Trophy Finals – After Women’s Game: Flawless Dance Performance

Sunday: Men’s Trophy Final Halftime: Lady Leshurr Performance

For ticket information and to secure your place at this momentous event, visit The Ticket Factory.

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