Alex Callow reports as the London Lions continue their bright form…
London Lions continued their promising start to the season as they ran out 91-63 winners over Plymouth University Raiders in the British Basketball League.
Rod Brown was the star of the Lions as he led the scoring charts with 18 points with new signing Drew Sullivan picking up 15 points and five rebounds.
The Lions started well and within five minutes they led Plymouth 16-2 with Brown hitting a jump shot straight from the tip-off. Soon after Brown showed he was in the mood as he downed a three. Makal Stibbins added four points. Zaire Taylor then buried a three and then scored 2/3 from the foul line. Sullivan added two more free throws for a 16-2 lead which Plymouth never recovered from.
Joe Ikinmwin made sure the Lions had a big first quarter lead as his three points and a two from Brown gave the Lions a lead of 14, 27-13 after the first.
In the second both teams traded baskets but Plymouth lacked the real quality to eat into the Lions’ advantage. It was end to end in the second but no team hit back-to-back baskets and although the Raiders won the quarter 20-19 the Lions still had a comprehensive lead, with the half-time score at 46-33.
Sullivan got the Lions off to a fantastic start in the third as he hit a three and Brown got a quick four points and the writing was on the wall for Plymouth as they led by 19 points, 59-40.
As the game was coming to an end, the Raiders did cut the lead down to 11 points and threatened a late comeback, but the Lions showed their quality in the final quarter when they went on a 13-0 run. Sullivan hit consecutive baskets to lead 82-58 with over five minutes to go. With Brown, Sullivan, Taylor and Stubbins all scoring in double figures, the Lions eventually cruised to a 91-93 win.
This win showcased the London Lions’ attacking and defensive superiority and showed why they are one of the favourites to take the BBL title.