We Speak Men's British Basketball League

How the Leicester Riders were able to make British Basketball League history

Published

12 months ago

November 26, 2023

In game week seven of the British Basketball League, fans were able to witness recent history in the league.

The Leicester Riders overcame a gargantuan task, beating the Surrey Scorchers after seeing themselves down by as much as 23 points in the game.

In what looked like would be a routine win for the Scorchers, we delve deep into how the Riders were able to pull off this herculean task and overcome the biggest deficit and win in recent British Basketball League history.

Where the Lead Came From

The Surrey Scorchers have become one of the most in-form teams in the past few weeks of the British Basketball League.

Notching their first win of the season against the Manchester Giants in game week six of the League, the Scorchers were also able to win their game after the Riders, beating the Plymouth City Patriots.

The Scorchers started off incredibly hot in their game with the Leicester Riders, jumping off to a 28-12 lead by the end of the first quarter.Surrey’s shooting from beyond the arc has been the talk of the league.

Currently averaging the most makes and attempts from three, with 10.9 makes and 33.6 attempts per game, their shooting was once again showing to be the difference maker.

The 16-point lead by the end of the first quarter primarily came from their shooting, going 5-of-9 from beyond the arc. Their defence was also fully on display, grabbing five steals and holding the Riders to 5-of-20 shooting.

Their 23-point lead came midway through the second quarter after an absurd Saiquan Jamison three-pointer, the first in his British Basketball League career, went through the basket and saw themselves up 43-20.

How They Came Back

With five minutes to go in the second quarter, it’s remarkable that the Riders were able to make it a 45-36 game by the end of it.

Their defence went into lockdown with Miryne Thomas commanding the paint, but also the likes of Kimbal Mackenzie and Conner Washington locking down the perimeter while adding crucial baskets themselves.

The veteran duo on the perimeter seemed to be the catalyst to start this comeback, but even a nine-point lead is still quite comfortable in basketball terms. It’s what came in the third quarter that was truly remarkable.

Starting the second half and third quarter, Thomas and point guard Xavier Pinson knew what they had to do.

Pinson went into overdrive, constantly attacking the paint, picking up fouls, and scoring consistently. The young guard has been in MVP conversations this season, and this performance will only further those talks.

Thomas continued his defensive ways as he showed in the second quarter, while also scoring from everywhere on the court to retrieve the lead.

Taking their first lead of the game with 6:33 left in the third quarter, Thomas hit the three that took them into the lead again.

What This Means

By the end of the third quarter, the Riders were ahead by three points and had destroyed the dreams of the Scorchers grabbing a win over them and snapping a 12-year streak without a win.

This win for the Riders could ultimately push them far this season and could be the turning point for their season.

After some questionable games against the likes of the Newcastle Eagles and Manchester Giants, the Riders looked like legitimate contenders. Their guard rotation is arguably one of the best in the league, if not the best.

Miryne Thomas is starting to show he is also one of the best big men in the league. The rookie has really started to carve out his role in recent games, picking up multiple Player of the Game awards while scoring 13.3 points and grabbing 6.4 rebounds.

The Leicester Riders could be one of the best teams in the league and one of the most likely teams to knock the London Lions off their perch at the top, but they will need to capitalise on this historic moment to continue.

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James Allen

We Speak Men's British Basketball League

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

Published

12 months ago

November 26, 2023

James Allen

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.