The London Lions will take on the Surrey Scorchers this Friday at 7:30pm at the Copper Box Arena.
This is the final game of London’s three-game home stretch. The Lions are just behind the Scorchers in the BBL standings and will look to keep the pressure on to take their spot in the league. The last meeting between the two sides lead to an extremely close 80-82 loss away from the Olympic Park.
Vince Macaulay’s squad will be back at Stratford after having their last home game in Brixton. The side will then face a long trip up to Manchester this weekend so will need to be as energised and as motivated as possible. The best way to do that is with a convincing win against the Scorchers. Not only will this boost morale for the squad but it will allow starters and key players to get some needed rest down the stretch meaning they are as refreshed as possible for the away tie.
Come back
The Lions will want to build an early lead and not give Surrey a chance to come back and make it a close game in the fourth. However if this does happen it is important that the home side sticks with the game plan, running well-designed plays instead of playing iso-ball and chucking up threes in the clutch. Although this is a part of basketball that can be affective, it proves to be a low percentage type of shot in clutch situations and is something the side should look to stay clear of if possible.
This game could be a good opportunity for the Lions to give more playing time to new signings Jonathon Thompson and Jerelle Okoro. Both players had good spells when last in the copper box, moving the ball around and knocking down some shots, but extended minutes for the two this Friday will better familiarise their style of play with the team.
Support
This is important as all the players need to be on the same page heading into the final part of the season. Not only that, it will also give the crowd a chance to better know their new singings and really help welcome them into the squad with some home support.
The capital side are still in contention to make a strong playoff push this season, but it all starts with defending home court, so a win this Friday is the first place to start for post-season success.
