Andy Thomson’s Game-Winner Sends Leicester Riders Top

By Bradley Gains on December 16, 2017

Image credit: Joe Pinchin/Leicester Riders

Andy Thomson came back to haunt his former side after coming up with the game-winner to send Leicester Riders to the top of the BBL Championship with a 77-79 victory at Newcastle Eagles, last night.

The experienced forward, who has won league titles with both sides, top scored with 16 points and produced the all-important final score of the game to snatch the win.

THOMSON!@AndyThomson1984 with the game-winner to give @RidersBball a 77-79 road victory as they take top spot on @BBCSport!#BritishBasketball pic.twitter.com/EWCF0LjHs9

— BBL (@BBLofficial) December 15, 2017

Newcastle – who had started the league campaign 9-0 – fell to their third straight loss, despite 32 points from the league’s leading scorer, Jaysean Paige.

The Eagles had trailed by 10 at the half, but battled back in the fourth just as in previous home games, and they took a 77-74 advantage inside the final minute.

However, Riders responded immediately with a clutch three from captain, Tyler Bernardini, before Thomson drove to the basket for the game-winner in the final seconds.

❄️ What a response from @BernardiniTyler – HUGE three for @RidersBball before they take the road victory!#BritishBasketball pic.twitter.com/hARSgDmPp7

— BBL (@BBLofficial) December 15, 2017

The top-of-the-table clash at Sport Central was the first BBL game to be televised on BBC Sport this season as part of their 32-game deal.

Leicester improved to a 9-1 record to move two games clear of their rivals with their next encounter also taking place at Sport Central, in January.

🎥: Check out all the highlights as @RidersBball moved to the top of the @BBLOfficial table with victory over the @NewcastleEagle! #BritishBasketball pic.twitter.com/KWaN0ybM33

— Leicester Riders (@RidersBball) December 16, 2017

You can watch the full game HERE

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