Jelson Homes DMU Leicester Riders' fantastic home form continued as they moved into the top four for the first time since November.

Riders defeated Cheshire Jets 82-76 to claim a fifth win in a row at John Sandford Sports Centre, a run that has reignited their hopes of a home play-off berth.

It was a thoroughly deserved victory for Riders, but it was not without drama because Cheshire staged a late rally.

Riders, though, showed their class to score the last six points. A sensational defensive stand in the final minute forced Cheshire into a shot-clock violation – failing to even get shot attempt in the allotted 24 seconds – and sealed the win.

Cheshire had the better of the early exchanges with Cup Final man of the match James Hamilton netting five points as they recorded a 9-3 run to lead 20-13, but their cause was not helped when they lost Jerrah Young to a dislocated finger in the second quarter.

A Bradd Wierzbicki triple and six points from the rejuvenated Shaun Durant helped Riders to 10-2 burst which moved them 39-34 in front and they never trailed again. Riders hit eight consecutive points in the third quarter to open a double-figure advantage and their lead peaked at 65-51.

Five points from Steven Gayle levelled matters at 76-76 but the defences then took control.

Wierzbicki was called for an offensive foul with a minute left, but, unusually, his shot attempt was adjudged to be before the foul and his basket was awarded to put Riders 80-76 in front.

Wierzbicki fouled out with 41 seconds on the clock but Riders' defence kept Jets out on the next play and Durant iced the victory with a couple of foul shots six seconds from time.

Jason Johnson denied Chez Marks a consolation basket with a hugely impressive shot-block as time ran out.

Johnson posted 19 points and 10 rebounds but Riders' excellent run has been built on team performances.

Riders: Johnson 19, Wierzbicki 17, Durant 15, James 9, Williams 9, I Westbrooks 4, Lamble 4, Windless 3, A Westbrooks 2.

Jets: Marks 17, O'Reilly 15, Myers 14, Gayle 14, Peterson 10, Hamilton 5, Young 1, Davis, Brandreth, Simpson, Murphy.