After shocking the league with their hot start, the Bristol Flyers can all but end the Londoners BBL Cup hopes by securing a win at the Copper Box this Wednesday. With the Lions coming into the Game at 3-5 and their Cup defence hanging by a thread, they need something special.
Crisis in the Capital
The London side need a change in fortune. A tough start to the 2019/20 season got even tougher for the Lions as they dropped their fifth game of the year at home to the Worcester Wolves last time out. After the game Coach Macaulay gave his thoughts on the performance.
“That was a really disappointing game. I find it difficult, with the position we’re in, in the cup qualifiers you’d think the guys would be ready to play. That first quarter was probably as bad as we’ve played, and we’ve had some pretty bad ones this quarter.”
As coach alluded to, his side have really struggled out of the gates this season, being down in first quarters far too often. This has had a knock-on effect in many games of subduing the home fans and with little atmosphere for the players to feed off, the Copper Box is no longer the fortress it was last year.
A question of heart
The London side were never able to recover from their slow start, as has been a theme for them this season. With only three wins, Macaulay’s side look like a mere shadow of the team that dominated the BBL last season. After losing three starters from the previous campaign the Lions have had to field a makeshift line-up for much of the season with new signings being brought in as recently as November 7th.
Despite the continuous line-up and rotational change this is still a veteran group that features two-time BBL MVP Justin Robinson and All-Star Brandon Peel. There’s no doubt that the team has the talent and the experience, so what else could be holding this Lions side back?
Coach Macaulay questioned his players heart as he called out his starters after the Wolves loss.
“We had to go down with some of the younger guys, to come out and play and show the love for the game…. you have to love playing this game, otherwise you’re wasting your time.”
The young Lions
A silver lining from the Wolves defeat, is the rise in playing time for new signings Jordan Whelan and Ali Tew. The youngsters were thrown in at the deep end and showed great determination, almost willing the side to a dramatic comeback. This was made all the more impressive considering that Tew had only signed with the team days earlier. Despite getting into foul trouble, the big man displayed great potential, showcasing the elite athleticism that could make him an elite shot blocker
However, with BBL Cup playoffs looming, the Lions young core will need to gain experience and fast. Despite the pressure of a must-win game against a heavily favoured Flyers team, veteran Andre Lockhart remained confident in his squad.
“Bristol are a great side, but we know we have the talent to beat anybody, we just need to go out and show that every week.”
A season defining game
Win and the Lions secure the fourth seed and a spot in the Cup quarter Finals. Lose and Vince Macaulay’s men will face the Surrey Scorchers in a win or go home contest. With there being a chance, these two sides face off in the BBL Cup playoffs should the Lions make it there, this game has real implications for the rest of the tournament.
The Lions vs Flyers game will be broadcast for free, live on the BBL’s YouTube channel at 7:30pm.
