Leicester Riders reach BBL Play-Off final as London Lions win first leg against Cheshire Phoenix

The Leicester Riders reached the British Basketball League Play-Off Final despite losing to the Bristol Flyers on Sunday as they progressed thanks to an aggregate score of 159-156 over both legs. 

Bristol were 79-85 winners on the day at the Morningside Arena having entered the contest staring at a seven-point deficit.

The Flyers were led by a dominant display from Malcolm Delpeche, who led the game in scoring with 23 points from 71 per cent shooting, while also logging eight rebounds and two blocks. He was backed by Tevin Olison's 19-point display and Mike Miller's 15 points, seven rebounds and five assists.

Marc Loving starred for Leicester as he recorded 18 points, four rebounds and five assists, while shooting at a rate of 62 per cent from the field. Zach Jackson also played a key role, with 12 points and seven dishes.

Delpeche set the standards early, scoring within the first 13 seconds and making a start to his impressive performance. But three consecutive buckets from Loving at the end of the first quarter ensured that the Riders built on an early lead.