Wildcats beaten in front of live television cameras (From The Northern Echo)

Wildcats beaten in front of live television cameras

9:07pm Sunday 12th February 2012 in Sport By Scott Wilson

DURHAM Wildcats' Sky Sports debut did not go to plan as they slumped to a comprehensive 97-69 defeat to Leicester Riders this evening.

The Wildcats remain rooted to the foot of the BBL table, two points adrift of Mersey Tigers, after they lost in front of the live television cameras, which were visiting Newton Aycliffe Leisure Centre for the first time.

The defeat came despite a strong opening quarter, in which Durham trailed their high-flying opponents by just two points.

Leicester flew out of the traps in the second quarter, and with Brad Wierzbicki nailing nine points in an 18-5 tear, the visitors opened up a 41-26 lead.

The Wildcats' best spell of the game saw them claim seven unanswered points in succession, but the Riders still reached half-time 49-37 ahead.

A stifling Leicester defence restricted Durham to just a single basket in the opening seven minutes of the third quarter, and with the visitors claiming 16 points in the same period, Dave Elderkin's side trailed 68-47 entering the final period of the game.

Leicester's inside success rate was the key difference between the two sides, and the Riders continued to dominate in the fourth quarter, outscoring the Wildcats 29-22.

GB captain Drew Sullivan led the Riders' scoring charts with 18 points, although the Wildcats' Mario Flaherty was the game's overall leading scorer with 22. The American also added 14 rebounds for good measure.

The defeat means Durham are still looking for their first franchise victory over the Riders after three times of asking.