Lions cruise to cup victory as they down the Flyers

placeholder graphic

Alex Callow reports as London Lions continue their excellent cup form…

London Lions escaped their league woes as a star performance from Zaire Taylor inspired the Lions to an 85-73 over the Bristol Flyers to progress to the quarter-finals of the BBL Cup.

Taylor was the best player on the court, scoring 30 points, with Mikal Stibbins also having a good game with 19 points.

The quality of the London Lions shone through in the first quarter as they hit 31 points looking very strong in the paint, with Bristol Flyers struggling to put consistent scoring runs together due to the Lions relentless pressure which led to numerous turnovers.  The dominance from the Lions was confirmed with Taylor reaching double figures.

It was closer in the second quarter with rising British star Dwayne Lautier-Ogunleve helping the Flyers stay in the match and showing why he is so highly rated as his scoring within the paint and his rebounds gave the Flyers a fighting chance. However, the Lions attacking threat was too much to handle for the Flyers, with Taylor, Ian Salter and Stibbins all scoring well as the second quarter ended 54-42 in favour of the Lions.

As the third quarter started it was clear to see that the Lions were going to win. Taylor was playing at an electric pace and the Bristol Flyers defence could not handle him

Lautier-Ogunleve and the impressive Bryquis Perine helped the Flyers cut down the lead to single figures in the third but the scoring power of the Lions meant that there was never a question that they would let it slip.  The third quarter ended 73-58 with the Lions in cruise control.

 There was no signs of lack of confidence from the Lions following their previous three league losses as they confidently saw out the game, with Stibbins and Salter picking off the Flyers with rebounds inside the paint. Taylor was taken off with a few minutes left to a standing obviation and the Lions moved into the last eight of the BBL Cup with an 85-73 win.

No posts to display