Basketball: Winn inspires Riders' victory

Leicester Riders ended a 22-game losing streak by taking advantage of an under-strength London Towers for a 103-89 BBL Championship win at Loughborough University last night.

Towers were without both their starting guards, the injured American duo Terrell Myers and Shaheen Holloway, whose fitness is now a concern for coach David Lindstrom prior to Saturday's BBL Trophy semi-final against Birmingham Bullets.

It was the Bullets who extended Riders' losing sequence on Saturday by beating them 97-93 at the Aston Events Centre, with a 19-point, 17-rebound performance from the 6ft 10in, 36 year-old former England international Martin Henlan.

Bullets outscored them 18-5 over the final five minutes to take the win, but Riders maintained control against Towers' depleted back-court last night, even though six consecutive points from Robert Youngblood cut their lead to 90-83.

Tim Winn, enjoying the freedom afforded by the absence of Myers and Holloway, sparked a 7-0 run to secure the win. Riders, who won the National Cup and play-off titles two seasons ago, have now won three BBL games out of 24, two wins behind the Bullets.

Chester Jets joined Brighton Bears on 17 wins, two victories behind the leaders Sheffield Sharks, by defeating Milton Keynes Lions 102-82 last night. Lions' Joel Burns led all scorers with 27 points, including eight three-pointers. Jets defeated Essex Leopards 96-86 on Saturday.

The Sharks had a 102-78 win on Saturday against Scottish Rocks, who suffered another heavy defeat last night, losing 99-78 at home to Thames Valley Tigers. Barry Bowman led the Tigers' scorers with 30 points.

Towers also lost on Saturday by 92-81 against Brighton, who took control with a 19-5 fourth-quarter burst to lead 85-71 at Crystal Palace.