The London Lions fell 72–71 to Manchester on Sunday night, edged out by a last‑second basket in a thriller that intensified one of the league’s fastest‑growing rivalries.
The game was tight throughout, with neither side finding real separation. London briefly looked in control after a strong third‑quarter surge, but they couldn’t carry that momentum into the final period as Manchester fought back to stay within striking distance.
“We’ve got to do a better job as a team of controlling the game when we have the lead,” said Deane Williams afterward.
The first half was a tense back‑and‑forth battle. Ethan Price provided early firepower for the Lions, hitting multiple pick‑and‑pop jumpers on his way to a team‑high 14 points. But every time London threatened to build momentum, Max Jones answered with tough makes for Manchester. The Lions went into the break trailing narrowly, 37–38.
Price opened the second half with a strong finish, and Williams attacked downhill for consecutive scores, including a poster dunk that ignited the Copper Box crowd. A Williams three pushed London ahead 50–43, and by the end of the third quarter the Lions held a promising 58–50 lead.
That advantage grew to 14 early in the fourth after free throws and a Mo Soluade corner three. But Manchester refused to go away. A step‑back three from Patrick Smith Jr. trimmed the margin, and Jones later converted an and‑one to tie the game at 66 with just over two minutes left.
Soluade briefly restored control with a clutch three for a 69–66 lead, but the closing moments swung the visitors’ way. After Jones hit two free throws, Manchester forced a stop and a loose‑ball scramble ended with Adetukasi finishing inside with 12.3 seconds remaining.
London drew up one final play, but Shavar Reynolds’ drive to the rim was blocked by Jones, who secured the rebound as time expired.
Tensions flared slightly in the aftermath, adding further spice ahead of the upcoming Cup Final between the two sides.
Head coach Tautvydas Sabonis rued the missed chance. “We controlled the third quarter, but let it go early in the fourth. Questionable calls, decision‑making… we didn’t get the outcome we wanted. But it gives us some fire for when we meet them next.”
Despite the loss, London remain top of the SLB Championship at 15–4 as they continue their pursuit of a domestic quadruple.
Share