Giants 82 - 89 Riders

The Manchester Giants suffer heartbreak in overtime as they lose out to the Leicester Riders 82-89.

‍Tonight’s game was the first game back at the National Basketball Performance Centre since the Giants win against the Surrey Scorchers back in October. Giants draw first blood with a right handed finger roll from Dirk Williams that cushioned off the glass. Captain Fletcher strikes twice with back to back threes on back to back possessions. The Giants saw early success from beyond the arc then as the quarter progressed opted for finishes around the rim and high percentage shots from midrange.

The Giants regained the lead through a Dirk Williams three that looked effortless. Not much to separate both teams through the quarter. Two points separating both teams in the first quarter of Sky Sports action. Riders stayed hot on the Giants heels, consistently tying the score time after time. A tough and one play from Anthony Roberson, battling through air tight defense. sees the Giants lead by 3.

A few scoreless possessions from Manchester sees the Leicester Riders take a 6 point advantage. The Giants cut the lead to 5 points as both teams headed into the locker room. An incredibly entertaining first half. Leicester started the third quarter draining from three as they also took the first double digit lead of the game. A pair of blocks from Anthony Roberson showed that he can do it at both ends of the court. Especially with a second block where the connection could be heard back in Leicester.  

A third quarter comeback from the Giants, spurred on by smart defence from charges and capped off by a pair of threes from Tajh Green and Anthony Roberson. The Manchester Giants, with all the momentum in the world, cut a 13 point lead down to a single point. A scoreless opening 2 minutes gives Leicester the chance to try and put distance between themselves and Manchester.

Rahmon Fletcher leads by example and drains a three to tie the game. Dirk Williams' right hand finger roll took back the lead for the Manchester Giants.

Nick Lewis hits nothing but net to put the Giants up by 3. Anthony Roberson got ejected after a disqualifying foul. A 75- 75 ending in the fourth means overtime action at the National Basketball Performance Centre.

Dirk Williams kicked off overtime with an off-balance three. Missed free throws allowed the Riders to capitalise and draw ahead. Dirk Williams fouled out halfway into overtime. The Giants lost out in overtime 82-89. Next game for the Manchester Giants is the North west derby. An away trip to fierce rivals the Cheshire Phoenix on December 30th.