Bristol, Friday 10 April — The London Lions delivered a dominant second-half defensive performance to defeat the Bristol Flyers 83–76 on the road, holding the hosts to just 24 points after halftime, including only 10 in the fourth quarter, to complete an impressive comeback victory.

Trailing by 10 at the break, the Lions flipped the game through defensive intensity and execution, turning stops into offence and controlling the final quarter with a decisive 17–10 edge.

Tarik Phillip led the Lions with 23 points, adding eight rebounds and three assists in a standout all-around performance. Chaundee Brown Jr. followed with 13 points, while Deane Williams and Shavar Reynolds Jr. contributed 11 points each.

London made a strong start, with Tarik Phillip attacking the rim early and Deane Williams knocking down a three off a baseline out-of-bounds set. However, Bristol quickly found rhythm, using second-chance opportunities and perimeter shooting to take control. The Flyers dominated the offensive glass early, grabbing eight offensive rebounds in the first quarter alone, helping them build a 27–21 lead after one.

The second quarter followed a similar pattern. Despite a momentum-shifting and-one dunk from Brown and a three from Aaryn Rai, the Lions struggled to contain Bristol’s pace and rebounding.

The Flyers pushed the lead to double digits late in the half, taking a 52–42 advantage into the break.

The game shifted immediately at the start of the third quarter.

Phillip opened the half with a three, sparking a 7–0 run as the Lions tightened up defensively. Joel Scott protected the rim and controlled the paint, while Brown’s transition finish brought London within one. Moments later, Scott’s offensive rebound and put-back tied the game at 54–54.

Kam McGusty’s shot creation and ability to exploit switches helped London regain the lead, as the Lions continued to chip away. Despite a late response from Bristol, the Lions had reset the tone, trailing just 66–64 heading into the fourth.

The final quarter belonged to London.

Reynolds opened the scoring before Phillip took over, hitting a step-back three before coming up with a steal and converting an and-one finish to extend the lead. The Lions opened the quarter on a 9–0 run, holding Bristol scoreless for over four minutes and taking full control of the game.

Reynolds added a tough finish, while Scott continued to convert inside as London stretched the lead to double digits.

From there, the Lions remained composed, closing out the game at the free-throw line and continuing to get stops to secure the 83–76 win.

The victory highlights London’s defensive identity and resilience, overcoming a difficult first half with discipline and execution when it mattered most.

The Lions now return to Copper Box Arena on Sunday to face the Sheffield Sharks as they look to carry this momentum into the final stretch of the regular season.

With the win, London improve to 23–5 in the SLB Championship, having already secured the regular season title following last Sunday’s victory.