The Manchester Giants were back at the National Basketball Performance Centre for some Christmas hoops as they took on the Leicester Riders in the latest round of British Basketball League action. 

‍

Last time these two teams faced off was in November where the Leicester Riders rode out victorious in the Morningside Arena. The Manchester Giants will be looking to continue their hot run of form at home after beating Bristol, Plymouth and Surrey at home in recent weeks. 

‍

Both teams are coming off the back of hearty performances yet opposite outcomes. Leicester are off the back of a 6 point victory over the Caledonia Gladiators, as for Manchester, they are coming off the back of a spirited yet fruitless performance after taking the London Lions to overtime in a 99-91 defeat. 

‍

Jamell Anderson starts Manchester off early with a left handed finger roll to give the Giants an early lead. Legend Robertin ensured the lead was maintained after he blocked Kimbal Mackenzie off the glass. Manchester began to go through a dry spell missing their next 4 attempts and missing 2 layups on fastbreaks. Nicholas Lewis gets the Giants ticking once more with a wide open 3 ball off the back of a Jamell Anderson pass. 

‍

Lewis didn’t let up as he had another 3 point play but this time the old fashioned way, managing to draw the foul and sink his shot. Some early struggles from the free throw line for Manchester as they managed to convert 33% of their attempts. 

Nevertheless, Nicholas Lewis and William Lee kept Manchester hot on Leicester’s heels as Lewis drove and coveted from close range whilst Lee hit from deep. Leicester managed to put themselves back in front the next possession before Evan Walshe made an instant impact off the bench. The lead kept changing hands after every possession and finished off with a teardrop from Rider’s Teddy Allen to put the Riders up. 

‍

Mason Bourcier won back possession for Manchester almost instantly as he forced a backcourt violation from Sesan Russell before fouling Blake Bowman at the other end. Legend Robertin tied it up off an overhead from Evan Walshe. Robertin later followed up this feat with a putback jam to give Manchester the lead. Teddy Allen replied from midrange for Leicester but Evan Walshe bullied his way into the paint on the next possession for the tough score. 

‍

Manchester kept their foot on the gas as Nicholas Lewis got on the end of a Nick Stampley steal for an easy lap and then blocked a Teddy Allen floater into the stands. Riders took the lead back with a Jaren Holmes three ball before Holmes turned provider for Miryne Thomas. The Giants struggled defensively but luckily made it to the end of the second quarter and the first half down by 8. 

‍

Second Half: 

‍

An explosive start to the third quarter for the Manchester Giants, Legend Robertin showed off his dominance and physicality early with back to back dunks and a block on Riders’ Mo Walker. Jamell Anderson got himself involved as he caught a lob from Nicholas Lewis to trail by 4. Leicester rallied however and kept punishing the Giants on the interior. 

Manchester turned into lob city in the third quarter as Austin Lawton now found himself on the end of a lob from Nicholas Lewis. Despite the highlight plays, Leicester continued their interior onslaught and managed to pull away to a considerable 13 point lead. Threes from Teddy Allen and Kimbal Mackenzie only furthered Leicester’s lead as they headed out to a 15 point lead at the end of the third. 

Jamell Anderson struck from three point range off the back of a spin move to try and start a comeback. Anderson followed this up with a pair of free throws, his 5 points separated by a midrange jumper from Nick Stampley. Just when Manchester seemed to be building momentum, the Leicester Riders would thwart their efforts with a three ball. Manchester carried on fighting and focused their offense through Evan Walshe who racked up 10 points in 2 minutes. With both Manchester and Leicester in team fouls, it became a game of free throws. With both teams sending each other to the line to see who could handle the pressure. 

It would ultimately be Leicester that would ride out winners as they bested Manchester 73-86. 

‍

Stats: 

‍

Evan Walshe: 18 Points, 3 Rebounds, 87%FG.

Jamell Anderson: 15 Points, 5 Rebounds, 5 Assists, 6 Steals.

Nicholas Lewis: 15 Points, 5 Rebounds, 4 Assists, 4 Steals. 

‍

Next on the Giants calendar is a boxing day clash in East Kilbride to go head to head with Gareth Murray and his 12-7 Caledonia Gladiators. Tip off will be at 3:00pm and will be available to watch via the British Basketball League’s YouTube channel. 

‍

All highlights from this evening's game will be available to view below: