27th Oct, 2007 Jelson Homes DMU Leicester Riders vs. Team Birmingham Panthers

BBL Cup, First-Round Match Preview

79-73

Jelson Homes DMU Leicester Riders booked their place in the last eight of the BBL Cup with a 79-73 home win against Team Birmingham Panthers.

It was a hard fought victory for Riders over a Panthers team that had three new signings making their debut – Hank Rivers, LaTyrl Williams and Craig Walls.

Helped by Panthers missing 10 free throws in the first quarter the Riders opened up a 16-13 lead after 10 minutes. The home side stretched out to 25-17 early in the second before an Adam Williams inspired 14-3 burst by Panthers handed the visitors the lead at 28-31. However, by half time the teams were level 31-31.

Leicester got on top during the third quarter and were 48-39 in front before a 9-0 run by Birmingham, capped by a Rob Paternostro three on the buzzer, tied the match again at 48-48.

During the final stanza it looked once again as though Riders had shaken off the Panthers. But, despite leading 70-62 with just 1.23 left on the clock Birmingham closed to within two (75-73) thanks to a LaTyrl Williams lay-up with 36 second remaining.

It looked as though Panthers may at least force overtime before Rob Wellington banked in a three-pointer to finally see Leicester home.

Riders reward for beating Panthers is an away trip to Cup holders Poujoulat Heat Guildford.

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