Nightmare start continues as Riders lose four in a row

LEICESTER Riders are still looking for their first SLB Championship win of the season after going down 87-72 at Manchester Basketball, writes Ashley Fontaine.

- Ashley Fontaine.

Riders remain bottom of the league after suffering their fourth successive defeat to continue their nightmare start to the season.

The visitors began the match brightly and showed plenty of fight, with new signing RaeQuan Battle impressing again, and Travis Evee and Emmanuel Akot also playing well.

But Riders were beaten by a physical Manchester side in front of their home fans at the National Basketball Performance Centre.

Leicester opened with energy and intent.

After Manchester's Kaiyem Cleary scored first, Battle answered with early baskets and rebounds, linking well with captain Spencer Johnson, who battled inside for an and-one play.

The Riders defence worked hard to disrupt Manchester, forcing turnovers and getting out in transition.

Evee added a confident three from deep to extend the lead as the visitors closed the quarter leading 22-16.