Surrey Scorchers suffered a slim defeat at Surrey Sports Park at the hands of reigning BBL Champions Leicester Riders.
Despite a short roster for the Surrey Scorchers, the home team put on an inspiring performance in front of a packed arena in Guildford, Surrey.
The visiting Leicester Riders arrived looking for redemption off the back of a one-point loss against Sheffield Sharks the night before.
Despite a valiant effort from the Surrey side, it was not to be as they lost in the closing minutes as Deandre Burnett scored two from the foul line to end the game 79-84.
The opening quarter was the sign of a new Scorchers side as they outhustled the Riders with a series of powerful offensive plays to end Q1 in the lead.
However, the second quarter Rob Paternostro’s team came back fighting after a trio of three-point shots from Burnett to end the half leading by six.
Scorchers fans witnessed a strong team effort, with stand out offensive displays from captain Tayo Ogedengbe and Quincy Taylor both breaking the 20-point barrier.
Fresh from his time with British National Basketball team, Josh Steel was also a stabilising force for the Scorchers making 17 points, 6 rebounds and 3 assists.
The second half was a nail-biter as Scorchers managed to pull out a minor lead in the fourth to take Riders all the way, with the crowd on their feet in the closing minutes.
The result leaves Scorchers 11th place in the league, as they get set to travel to Cheshire on Sunday, January 6th.
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