London Lions 74 Leicester Riders 90: BBL Cup QF

Friday night saw the Riders visit the new home of London Lions, Crystal Palace National Sports Centre for the first time. With a record crowd in attendance the Riders entertained and continued their unbeaten run to 8-0 by cruising past the Lions 90-74. Leicester Riders now move on to face the Sheffield Sharks in the Semi-Final of the competition.

London Lions Starters: Jackman, Pedroso, Martin, Ogedengbe, Sturt
Leicester Riders Starters: Couisnard, Sullivan, Taylor, Lamble, Losonsky

The game was physical from start to finish, which was nothing more than expected considering the long term rivalry between the two clubs.

The visitors started well and a deep 3 ball from Leicester’s Drew Sullivan stretched out an early lead to 0-7 in the opening minute. Lions responded through Duane James however great hustle from Sullivan and quick movement up the court saw the Riders take the lead to 6-14. Lions guard Orlan Jackman made his presence known later in the first quarter as the game was cut to a 4 point ball game at 20-24. However, it was the visitors that had the advantage and Couisnard on the buzzer to end the first period, 22-28.

The Lions started the second quarter well, preventing the Riders from finding the basket as they were beaten by a strong defense and shot clock. The game was getting heated, many a body hitting the court as both teams began to find themselves in early foul trouble. Lions’ new man Philip Wait entered the court to the delight of crowd as the big man made his debut. Yet even he couldn’t stop the rally of points racked up by the Riders’ Pavol Losonsky and Jay Couisnard taking the score to 22-33, both players were hugely dominate throughout the game. It was a good time for the Lions to take a time-out!

Orlan Jackman made 2/2 from the free throw line to pull it back to 28-33, however a mighty 3 from ex Lions’ guard Yorick Williams and an additional free from the line put the Riders in the driving seat once again. An earlier knock on the knee to Mike Martin seemed to be taking its toll on the Lions’ display, yet the home side had their 12/12 free throw record to thank as they left the court for half time, 39-45.

The Riders came out strong at the start of the second half with a 7-2 run, illustrating just why they are the leagues unbeaten team. Lions forwards’ Adrien Sturt and Orlan Jackman saw most of the play and responded well however constant hustle from the Riders and turnover from the home side, made it harder for them to get back in the mix. Riders dominated and ended third quarter 61-68.

The closing period of the game saw Leicester turn it up a notch and show all at the Crystal Palace Sports Centre just why they were at the top of the league and unbeaten so far this season. Riders guard Zaire Taylor entertained the crowd with consecutive 3-pointers, extending their lead to 67-86. Taylor continued to rack up the baskets and put the final game points on the board for the Riders.

Full time score saw the Lions fall to the Riders once again, 74-90. Pavol Losonksy led the Riders scorers with 23 points and 10 rebounds, with Drew Sullivan picking up a double-double, 16 points/11 rebounds, and 7 assists.

For the home side, Orlan Jackman scored 24 points and 10 rebounds, with 4 steals.

An overall strong display from Leicester, while the Lions failed to find any fluid offensive flow throughout the latter half of the game.

The next London Lions fixture is at home this Friday as they welcome Durham Wildcats in League: 7.30pm Tip Off.

Lions Scorers; Jackman 24, James 16, Martin 9

Riders Scorers; Losonksy 23, Couisnard 18, Taylor 17