Virgin Islands’ Leslee J. Smith and the Bristol Flyers fell at home on Friday October 21, 2016, to the undefeated Leicester Riders, 70-80. Photo: Provided/File

Bristol hosted the league-leading Leicester Riders at SGS WISE Arena looking for the win to notch a .500 record before heading to Glasgow for their final game of October.

Riders drew first blood as the visitors scored three early open three-pointers from Andrew Thomson, Taylor King and Tyler Bernardini.

Leicester were impressive in the early goings, building a double-digit lead on shooting 50% for the quarter.

Flyers put a run together of their own with a Brandon Boggs up and under lay-up, a Mike Vigor spin move and finger roll for the score and two converted free throws from Lovell Cook, as the opening quarter wound down 15-20.

Fast ball movement got Flyers some high percentage shots in the second quarter and coupled with the defence coming up with loose balls and extra possessions, Bristol were able to take a slender lead into the break 37-35.

The third quarter began at a ferocious pace, with three lead changes within the first minute, as both squads looked to take control of the game.

The visitors came up trumps behind six quick points from Bernardini. Riders added to their offensive onslaught, driving their lead to 11 points.

Bristol shot back with two three-pointers of their own, from Ali and Streete respectively. But the third quarter belonged to Leicester, who headed into the fourth quarter leading by 14 points, 51-66.

Too high to fly!

Flyers came into the final period facing a task, to come back from double digits against the only undefeated team left in the BBL.

Bristol fought hard offensively, cutting Riders’ lead to seven late in the fourth. But that's as close as Flyers would get, as Leicester sealed the win 70-80.

Smith finished with 8 points, going 3 for 9 from the field, added two Free Throws from two visits and picked up 2 defensive and 2 offensive rebounds. He also picked off 2 steals in 26:50 minutes on court.