Connor Mackay reports on a night of redemption for the Lions at the CopperBox…
The London Lions banished the horrors of their last game to get back to winning ways, defeating the Worcester Wolves 80-72.
Tuesday night proved to be more than a basketball game for some members of the Lions. Brothers Jamal and Kai Williams and Alex Owumi all played for Worcester in the 2013/2014 season, so it was a case of meeting very familiar foes.
“It’s pretty cool, it’s going to be a cool experience, obviously we’ve played against them this year but there are a few guys on the team that were there during our championship year” said Kai before the game. His brother Jamal added “It’s always a weird feeling, [but] I am more than happy to be at London Lions.”
Their new side had the lead from the second quarter and never looked like losing their advantage. In the fourth quarter the Lions started to establish a comfortable advantage as both teams were on five team fouls.
Kai Williams scored a team high 18 points and Nick Lewis also contributed with 17 points; emotions were high in this game as both teams exceeded their team fouls each quarter.
Lions’ star Demond Watt produced another inspired performance with a double-double, consisting of 15 points and 10 rebounds, which helped the Lions get a much needed victory.
Surrendered
Strong interior defence from Olumide Oyedeji meant the Lions were able to convert on fast break points and keep the Wolves at bay late on.
Worcester’s Jay Couisnard and Perris Blackwell both managed to register double-doubles for the visitors but a high number of team fouls became their downfall with minutes left in the game.
Throughout the game Worcester were narrowing the margin to two points, but they never looked like they would be able to regain the lead they surrendered late in the second quarter
“Worcester is obviously one of the top teams, we are 2-1 with them now and last time we played them we lost; I know what I’m supposed to do night in night out so I just get the job done.” said Nick Lewis after his performance of the night.
London are in fifth place in the league having played 19 games five fewer than Worcester who are placed third in the table.
The Lions finish off the last of their four-game home stretch on Friday the 19th against Glasgow Rocks, with tip off at 7:30pm.