Johnson leads Riders to crucial win in title race

LEICESTER Riders continued their late charge for the title with a hard-fought 91-84 home victory over Surrey 89ers, with Spencer Johnson racking up 20 points, writes Daniel Ajanaku.

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The opening quarter delivered a back-and-forth contest, with Surrey striking first through a Josh Steel layup.

Riders came into the game looking to attack, Johnson draining three back-to-back triples, giving them a 9-2 lead, and picking up key defensive rebounds to set the tone.

Despite Charles Thompson's early shooting struggles, Leicester maintained pressure through his and Johnson's defensive rebounding.

Riley Abercrombie added a tough and-one to stretch the home side's lead further.

Surrey battled back with Cameron Gooden and Dame Adelekun chipping away at the lead.

With the Riders shooting 4/15 late in the quarter, Surrey sparked a comeback, beginning with Nedas Cholevinskas making his free throws to tie it at 12-12.

Ethan Wright responded with a three, while Zach Jackson contributed a mid-range bucket, making it 17-14.

Dame Adelekun continued to be a problem within 10 feet, keeping the 89ers within reach.

Jaylin Hunter and Wright scored again late but Surrey had the last laugh with Cholevinskas beating the buzzer with his corner three, to end the quarter and level the score at 21-21.

The second quarter continued in the same fashion, neck and neck, with neither side able to establish a distinctive advantage.