Jelson Homes DMU Leicester Riders claimed a vital victory in dramatic fashion beating Milton Keynes Lions 104-101 yesterday after overtime.

Bradd Wierzbicki and Jason Johnson held their nerve in the final seconds of the extra period to make six consecutive free-throws and see Riders home.

The victory gives Riders a two-point lead in the race for fourth spot and secured the season-series over Milton Keynes.

It might have been much easier but for some inspirational play from former Rider Yorick Williams, who hit a staggering 10 three-pointers to lead the scorers with 36 points.

Riders bossed the first half and a Duane James triple was followed by good inside play from Johnson and Barry Lamble to give Riders a 29-20 advantage.

LaTaryl Williams hit six consecutive points which were followed by a Wierzbicki long-range strike to move Riders 49-38 clear just before half-time.

But Lions rallied in the third quarter to set up a thrilling finish. In the closing stages, Yorick Williams netted from deep, but that was cancelled out by Wierzbicki to keep Riders 89-84 in front.

Another long-ranger from the Lions man cut Riders' advantage to just a point before Wierzbicki made it 90-88.

Dawud Morris tied the game 12 seconds from time and Riders were unable to win the match in regulation time.

Overtime was dominated by the two Williamses, with Yorick netting eight points and LaTaryl six as the sides were still locked at 98-98 in the final minute. Wierzbicki slotted two foul shots to give Riders the lead and Johnson twice went two-for-two from the line to make it a six-point cushion.

Another former Rider, Robert Youngblood, kept the match alive with a three-pointer with seven seconds left, but Riders ran down the clock. That sparked wild celebrations from the sizeable travelling support and strengthened the chances of posting back-to-back top-four finishes for the first time.

Lions: Williams 36, Morris 19, New 18, Youngblood 13, Spinks 13, Simon 2, Fontaine, Pringle, Harrison.

Riders: Johnson 27, Wierzbicki 25, Williams 23, James 9, I Westbrooks 5, A Westbrooks 4, Lamble 4, Windless 4, Durant 3.