Sead Dizdarevic reports from a battling London Lions win.
London Lions showed real character in a hard fought 76-68 triumph over the Bristol Flyers. Veteran leadership from Team GB captain Andrew Sullivan, who ended with a team high 18 points, proved pivotal for the Lions; ands some crucial defensive plays down the stretch made the victory possible.
Rod Brown added 17 points, helping preserve the 100 per cent winning record for the London team in front of the home crowd and in doing so ended Bristol’s perfect start to the season.
Technical difficulties with the rims delayed the tip-off, but a that seemed to cause no problems for the Bristol Flyers as they flew to an early lead by being effective with their shooting and punishing London Lions’ lacklustre launch.
However, the Lions grew into the game and some vital defending lead to fast break scores, and they were pleased to end the first quarter 15-18.
The second quarter was the polar opposite as the Lions, spurred on by their late first-quarter performance, produced a masterclass in perimeter shooting and regained the lead for the first time since the opening basket. A continual barrage of three pointers opened up a 13-point lead for the Lions to take into half-time ending 43-35.
After the half both teams could not be separated on the offensive side of the game, preserving the London Lions’ double-digit lead with the third quarter ending 61-49.
Bristol Flyers made the game more interesting in the fourth quarter, bringing down the lead to three points but Sullivan scored a clutch three-pointer and forced a turnover with ten seconds left in the game and made both free throws after being fouled, which ensured victory for the Lions.
This very promising start for the London Lions could be very significant despite it being early into the season. It shows intent and determination from a strong core of youth players working in harmony with veteran players who have won it all in the BBL such as Sullivan and Perry Lawson, who will provide valuable leadership to the team.