Led offensively by 16 points from Conner Washington, the Riders’ 107-38 win over Surrey United on Saturday was the third straight game that they had held an opponent to under 45 points, a feat never achieved before in the BBL.

Over their first five games the Riders have conceded an average of just 50 points per game and coach Rob Paternostro (pictured) is delighted with the effort his players are putting in.

“I just feel that defensively we’ve been very solid and are continuing to improve,” he said.

“We’re not really focusing on numbers, we just want to make every possession difficult.

“Over the last few weeks I feel like we’re really improving and it all starts in practice.

“We’re enjoying playing defence and when you have a team that enjoys doing that, it’s very nice as a coach to watch that continue to improve.”

Riders sit in third place behind the Worcester Wolves and Esh Group Eagles Newcastle, who traded places twice at the weekend.

The Eagles moved into top spot on Friday evening following their 98-70 win over Glasgow Rocks in the BBL TV game, thanks in part to 24 points from Charles Smith.

Worcester then reclaimed first place on Sunday afternoon with a comfortable 100-59 win at Birmingham Knights. Recent signing Andreas Schreiber had a double-double of 18 points and 12 rebounds as the Wolves went to 5-0 on the season, their best ever start in the BBL Championship.

After opening the season with two defeats, Plymouth University Raiders have now won three championship games in a row and moved up to fifth place after recording a 97-63 win at Surrey United on Sunday, Trevor Setty leading the way with 22 points.

As well as the Championship action, six teams were also in action in the opening round of the BBL Cup.

Plymouth were able to book their spot in the quarter finals with a 103-72 win at Birmingham, while Worcester enjoyed an 88-66 win over Manchester Giants.

The cup tie of the weekend was up in Durham as the Wildcats came from behind to beat Cheshire Phoenix, 78-75.

Having led by 15 points at one stage and on course for their first ever win in Durham, the Phoenix were unable to hold on as the Wildcats stepped up at both ends of the floor.

Danny Huffor led the Durham effort with 17 points, while Cheshire’s Rod Middleton had 25 to lead all scorers.

“Defensively I don’t think we were concentrating anywhere near as hard as we should have been in the first half,” said Durham coach Lee Davie.

“Guys were getting open lay-ups, open threes and Cheshire made us pay.”

He added; “Against their zone [in the second half] we were a lot more aggressive, trying to get to the free-throw line and going to the boards.

“Once we took the lead, it changed the game and I never felt we were going to lose.

“A great comeback from the guys.”

Story – BBL

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