The London Lions produced one of their most complete displays of the season on Sunday evening, sweeping aside the Newcastle Eagles 98–71 at the Copper Box Arena after a dominant first half that effectively settled the contest.
London flew out of the blocks, overwhelming Newcastle with intensity at both ends and restricting the visitors to just 26 points before the interval.
By then, the Lions had built a commanding lead that grew as high as 32 points, underlining their growing rhythm as key players return to fitness during a crucial phase of the Super League Basketball campaign.
Head coach Tautvydas Sabonis was full of praise for the professionalism and defensive commitment shown by his side: “We played a very well-rounded game,” he said. “Leaving them at 26 points in the first half is a great result.
"The only downside is that we relaxed in the second half - we should’ve gone more for the throat - but I’m very happy with my gentlemen.”
The scoring was evenly shared in a performance that showcased the depth of London’s roster.
Joel Scott and Kam McGusty led the way with 13 points apiece, while Chaundee Brown Jr added 11. Aaryn Rai and Ovie Soko chipped in with 10 each, ensuring every Lion made the scoresheet.
Scott, a driving force inside, credited the Lions’ focus from the opening tip.
“We came out with energy and executed the game plan well,” he said. “When we take care of the little things, we usually get the result we want.”
London ignited the Copper Box crowd immediately, with Brown slamming home a fast-break dunk from an early steal. Further baskets from Tarik Phillip and Deane Williams opened a double‑digit advantage, before Brown delivered another emphatic dunk to beat the shot clock.
Threes from Morayo Soluade and Williams, coupled with strong defensive work from Rai and a lob finish from Soko, helped the Lions close the first quarter 27-10 ahead.
The second period was even more ruthless.
A 22-2 surge, fuelled by sharp ball movement and relentless defence, pushed London out to 58-26 at the half. By that stage, Newcastle had managed only five field goals.
The Eagles showed brief resistance after the break, but Scott’s powerful dunk and an Amin Adamu three-pointer kept London firmly in control. McGusty’s late triple restored a 26-point cushion entering the fourth, and the Lions saw out the final minutes with ease.
With confidence rising and players returning, London now head into a pivotal week, beginning with Thursday’s fixture at NCC Fitness in Hackney before Sunday’s SLB Cup Final in Manchester.
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