London Lions made it two wins from two in the SLB Championship, overcoming a stubborn Newcastle Eagles side 84-76 in a tense contest.
The SLB Championship meeting took place on Sunday afternoon at NCC Hackney.
Devante Jones led the Lions with 16 points and four assists, while Thomas Kennedy added 14 points and seven rebounds in a hard-fought victory.
London made the stronger start, but Newcastle used aggressive defence and efficient shooting to lead 24-16 after the opening ten minutes.
London responded in the second quarter, with Deane Williams producing two big blocks and Ethan Price hitting a three-pointer to put the hosts ahead 32-31.
The Eagles regained control, but Landrius Horton’s two free throws with half a second remaining cut the deficit to 40-37 at the interval.
Newcastle quickly stretched its advantage to nine points early in the third quarter, before London improved its ball movement and began to regain momentum.
Horton hit consecutive three-pointers, and Kennedy converted a full-court pass from Williams to put the Lions in front at 52-51.
Keenan Evans then added a step-back three, helping London carry a 59-56 lead into the final quarter.
Newcastle levelled immediately and Tavis Smith’s drive the length of the floor restored their advantage at 61-59.
London answered through Maxwell Lewis and Jones, who scored inside before finding Mo Soluade for a corner three.
Jones continued to make an impact, finishing inside to make it 67-63 with 6:26 remaining before adding another corner three late on.
Newcastle stayed within one possession, but London repeatedly found answers, with Evans taking a charge and Kennedy scoring twice against the full-court press.
Jones then found Kennedy with a pocket pass for a slam, before the forward added a reverse finish as London closed from the free-throw line to secure the 84-76 victory..
Head coach Tautvydas Sabonis said his team needed to start with greater intensity.
He said: "We got to play better, we have to be better, we can't play the last 15 minutes and show up and move the ball and play defence and finally set the tone late in the game, we got to set it early.”
Kennedy, who finished with seven rebounds, said controlling the glass was central to managing the game’s pace and rhythm.
The result moves the Lions to 2-0 in the SLB Championship. London return to NCC Hackney on Wednesday, September 23, hosting Cheshire Phoenix at 7pm.
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