Riders dominate Lions for opening victory on the road.

WBBL Championship

BA London Lions 35-61 Leicester Riders (10-19, 16-35, 27-50)

Leicester Riders started their league campaign in style with a comprehensive victory away at BA London Lions.

Krumesh Patel’s side set the tone on the defensive end, keeping BA to under 40 points in a clinical display.

Leading Scorers – Willis 13, Gaskin 8, Durgerian/Ellmore/Christie 4 (Lions) – Hayward 15, McGarrachan 12, Smith 8 (Riders)

Turning Point – Leicester began to pull away by the end of the first quarter and a dominant 6-16 second period put them firmly in control and there was no looking back.

Key Stat – While the Lions were held to 25% FG shooting, Riders were not much more efficient at 28%, but they put up an additional 18 shots than their opponents and converted almost three times as many free throws.

Game Hero – Dee Hayward led the way with 15 points in 21 minutes and proved too strong inside for BA, going 8-of-11 from the foul line

Box score.