The London Lions' challenging re-introduction to EuroCup basketball continued on Tuesday night (October 7), falling 99-73 to Besiktas GAIN Istanbul to slip to 0-2 in Group B. `
Playing their first road fixture of the continental campaign in a raucous Istanbul atmosphere, the Lions found themselves outgunned by a Besiktas side that claimed their first-ever victory in the all-time series between the two clubs.`
Without floor general Shavar Reynolds Jr after an injury sustained in their opener against Buducnost, as well as captain Ovie Soko, London struggled to contain Besiktas's balanced offensive attack and deadly perimeter shooting.
The Turkish side's depth proved decisive, with six players reaching double figures and a blistering 13-of-29 performance from three-point range (44.8%) stretching the Lions' defence throughout.
The BJK GAIN Sports Complex may not have been at capacity, but the vocal home crowd created a hostile environment from the opening tip.
Besiktas fed off that energy, racing to a 13-4 lead and never relinquishing control. Eight different players scored in a dominant first quarter that saw the hosts take a 26-15 advantage.
The Lions showed fight early, with Tarik Phillip scoring 10 first-quarter points and Joel Scott providing an interior presence, but the deficit ballooned to 20 points with four minutes remaining in the second quarter as Besiktas's ball movement and three-point shooting overwhelmed London's rotations.
A spirited third-quarter surge gave the travelling Lions hope. Just two minutes into the period, London had clawed back to within 10 points at 54-44, sparking belief of a comeback. But Besiktas responded emphatically, unleashing a decisive run that restored their commanding lead and effectively ended the contest. The Turkish side pulled away for good, their superior depth and home-court advantage proving too much to overcome.
Besiktas punished every London mistake, grabbing 19 second-chance points. Ante Zizic was a constant problem, bullying his way to 17 points and 5 rebounds with a strong back-to-the-basket game that the Lions couldn't solve.
Scott finished with 13 points on efficient 75% shooting, whilst Amin Adamu added 14 points in a battling performance. Phillip's explosive start earned him 12 points in 26 minutes off the bench, and Deane Williams fought hard for a team-high 10 rebounds in a physical contest.
The defeat leaves London bottom of Group B standings with an 0-2 record.
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