There was jubilation for the fans of Jelson Homes DMU Leicester Riders as their team completed a thrilling and nerve jangling overtime success against Cheshire Jets to protect their unbeaten record and move to the top of the BBL table.

 

It completed a highly fruitful weekend, having also claimed a win on the road in Newcastle and most positively of all, both victories came without the services of influential big man John Fraley who is out injured.

 

But, with Pavol Lasonsky in particular stepping up, Riders completed a precious weekend win double although it was tough going against a valiant and resilient Jets team led superbly by veteran duo of Chez Marks and Shawn Myers.

 

Jets had great confidence after a blistering 12-1 start to the game but it wasn't long before a three-pointer by Zaire Taylor tied the contest at 23-23. From that point onwards, it was a monumental battle during which neither team could make a decisive break - or at least until the Jets went 67-60 ahead with less than four minutes remaining.

 

But, Riders rallied and in a dramatic conclusion, Zaire Taylor forced overtime.

 

Once it arrived, the momentum was firmly with Riders as their superior depth, energy and defence proved decisive.

 

Jets hit the wall offensively and could only muster one score in the first four minutes of the extra period and that hurt them as a relieved Riders side scraped over the line - much to the relief of the jubilant home supporters.