Leicester Riders capped off their home campaign for 2013 in fine style with a 91-78 victory over London which saw them leapfrog the Lions in the table.
It means this year has been Riders' best ever in front of their home fans, with a stunning 20 wins from 22 games over the last 12 months.
Their previous best came only last year when they went 19-3 during 2012. Given the previous mark had stood for 25 years, it's a testament to how dominant the Riders have been at John Sandford over the last couple of years.
And the charge was led by a man who might not have even played the game, Anthony Downing overcoming a nagging foot injury to lead the way with 24 points and five assists.
Buoyed by their excellent recent form, London edged ahead in the early stages and led 15-9, only for Riders to post nine unanswered points to move in front. The Lions finished the quarter strongly, but a triple from Drew Sullivan early in the second period tied the game at 26-all.
A 9-2 finish to the first half had Riders four points clear at the break and a blistering start to the second half had them well in control. Jay Couisnard, who'd spent time on the bench after picking up two fouls in the first half, was keen to make up for lost time so came up with a steal, lay-up and three-pointer. Drew Sullivan also got in on act as Riders opened a 52-41 lead.
Leicester were in full flow at this point and only an excellent performance from Mike Martin kept the visitors in touch. Riders led by nine heading into the final quarter and they quickly stretched it back into double figures early in the fourth.
When Martin fouled out with still five minutes to play, any hopes London had of a comeback went with him and Riders opened an 18 point lead in the closing stages to ease home.
All of the starters hit double figures, led by Downing and Couisnard (17), with Sullivan again filling up the stats sheet with 11 points, 9 rebounds, 5 assists and 3 steals.
Leicester Riders 91 v London Lions 78
BBL Championship
Saturday 14 December
Scorers:
Riders: Downing 24, Couisnard 17, Hassan 13, Sullivan 11, Anderson 11, Calvo 7, Rowe 4, Gamble 3, Lamble 1, Noel, Washington.
Lions: Martin 20, Free 15, Knutson 11, Joseph 10, Sturt 9, Brown 7, Smith 4, Ikhinmwin 2, Margai, Lawson, Irish.
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