Oct 17, 2023
In a nail-biting contest, London Lions maintained their unbeaten streak in the British Basketball League (BBL) with a heart-stopping 109-104 overtime victory against Newcastle Eagles at Copper Box Arena.
The Lions welcomed back Sam Dekker to the lineup after their commanding 99-80 win over the Cheshire Phoenix on Friday. However, it was Tajh Green of the Eagles who stole the show in the early minutes of the game, sinking three consecutive three-pointers and setting the tone for an explosive start.
Newcastle's Jordan Johnson added to the fireworks by making an incredible three-point shot and drawing a foul. He couldn't convert the four-point play, giving the Lions a narrow escape from what could have been a game-changing moment.
The second quarter of the game saw an extraordinary shooting display, with former Lion Josh Ward-Hibbert contributing with a pair of crucial three-pointers for the Eagles. But the reigning champions, London Lions, didn't back down from the challenge and responded with determination.
The game remained fiercely competitive throughout, with both teams refusing to give an inch. London's tenacity paid off as they fought their way back into the contest. As the clock wound down, the tension in the arena was palpable.
In the closing moments of the fourth quarter, the Lions found themselves down by three points. With time running out, they managed to force the game into overtime with a clutch three-pointer. The Copper Box Arena erupted with excitement as fans witnessed a memorable comeback.
The overtime period was just as intense as the regulation play. Both teams displayed their resilience and fighting spirit, but it was the London Lions who ultimately prevailed. Their well-rounded performance and clutch plays allowed them to secure the thrilling 109-104 win.
This victory extends the London Lions' impressive unbeaten streak in the BBL, and it reaffirms their status as one of the top teams in the league.