The London Lions completed a dominant quarter-final series victory over the Newcastle Eagles with an 88–69 win at Crystal Palace, advancing to the Super League Basketball semi-finals with a commanding aggregate success.
Holding an 18-point cushion from the first leg, the Lions absorbed an early spell of pressure before asserting control in the second quarter and producing a composed, professional play-off performance in front of a sold-out home crowd.
Shavar Reynolds Jr led the way with a controlled display, finishing with 10 points and 10 assists to dictate the tempo throughout.
Aaryn Rai also recorded a double-double with 10 points and 11 rebounds, while Ciaran Sandy added 10 points and Chaundee Brown Jr chipped in with eight. Joel Scott and Ethan Price were influential inside, helping London dominate the paint and maintain balance at both ends of the floor.
Newcastle began aggressively and struck early, knocking down perimeter shots to edge ahead midway through the opening quarter. London responded through Scott, who stretched the defence with a three, while Rai and Tarik Phillip began to exploit gaps in the Eagles’ zone.
Despite a late three from Gus Okafor, the Eagles led only 20–18 at the end of the first quarter.
The second period proved decisive.
London increased their defensive intensity and opened the quarter with a quick scoring run, sparked by Rai’s coast-to-coast finish and Scott’s powerful interior work. Improved ball movement allowed the Lions to pick apart the zone, with Price benefiting from smart passes inside and Reynolds controlling the rhythm.
A key defensive sequence led to a standout transition moment as Phillip intercepted and fed Brown for a crowd-lifting dunk.
From there, the Lions extended their advantage through disciplined execution, heading into the break with a 49–36 lead.
London carried the momentum into the third quarter.
Price opened the half with an and-one before Deane Williams made his presence felt with a strong post score and later a three-pointer to push the lead beyond 20.
Newcastle briefly responded from long range, but Sandy’s timely three ensured the Lions entered the final quarter comfortably ahead at 69–54.
In the closing period, London finished the job with authority. Sandy struck twice early on, Amin Adamu added a step-back three, and the Lions closed out the contest efficiently to seal progression.
London will now face Leicester in the semi-finals as their pursuit of silverware continues.
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