Leicester Riders were knocked out of the BBL Trophy by Guildford Heat on Saturday after a dramatic last quarter.

Riders recovered from a slow start to lead 63-53 going into the final period at the John Sandford Centre.

And with last season's leading scorer Duane James back in the line-up just a day after re-signing, Riders looked set to book their quarter-final slot.

But Heat, inspired by the game's leading scorer Mike Martin (26), staged a fine final-period comeback to win.

Riders coach Rob Paternostro can at least take some consolation from the return of James.

He has proven to be very effective in the BBL and it was a move we had to make Rob Paternostro on Duane James

The 26-year-old American averaged just shy of 20 points per game for the Riders last season after joining mid-season from London and finished third in the BBL overall. He also ranked third in the league for steals and averaged over six rebounds per game.

Paternostro said: "Mid-season changes are always difficult, but a lot of our guys played with him last year and are comfortable with what Duane can do. I understand his game too, so there is no doubt that is a big benefit to us.

"He is a very good player who has proven to be very effective in the BBL and it was a move we had to make."

James joined Rayet Guadalajara in Spain in the summer and averaged nearly eleven points per game in ten matches.

"Duane knows how to get the ball in the basket and he does it very efficiently," Paternostro added.

"Another big plus for me is his athleticism, which is something I think we needed, especially defensively. Duane is a very good rebounder from the wing spot and is very good at taking advantage of mismatches."

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