The London Lions basketball team are in third place in the BBL table – and a top of the table clash on Easter Sunday saw them beat first placed Leicester Riders.
The Lions had played three games in four days – one of which was a victory against second placed Newcastle – but they retained their energy and drive, with Leicester struggling to keep up.
The Lions put on a good team performance, with Cory Dixon (20) and Brandon Peel (18) supporting top scorer Justin Robinson (25 points). Dixon won the fans’ Most Valuable Player title – having made mincemeat of the Riders’ defence and getting the Lions off to a cracking start.
As Leicester refocused their plans to try to stop him, Paul Guede was left the space to increase an early lead – which looked like it might fizzle away as the second quarter saw Lions making errors against a resurgent Leicester. The Lions fought back, ending the second quarter ahead by 44-36.
After that, it was the Lions’ game, with Leicester unable to claw their way back until five late points took the score to 70-51 in favour of the Lions at the end of the third quarter.
The fourth quarter saw a scrappy performance from Leicester, perhaps provoked by frustration at being unable to see off the Lions. It was a deserved win for the Lions – and Leicester’s third league loss this season.
The next Lions match takes place on Wednesday, when they take on Plymouth Raiders at the Copper Box (7.30pm tip).
•For more information about the London Lions, including how to buy tickets, go to: www.londonlionsbasketball.com
•Read more about it: Lions take on Lithuanians this Easter Lions Stun Scorchers Keep Winning Run
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