Manchester, Sunday 19 April — The London Lions showed resilience and composure down the stretch, battling back to defeat Manchester 91–86 on the road in a game where they trailed for large stretches before making the key plays late to secure the win.

Despite falling behind multiple times throughout the contest, the Lions stayed within striking distance and delivered in the closing minutes, executing offensively and coming up with timely stops to take control when it mattered most.

Kameron McGusty led the way with 24 points, delivering a series of clutch baskets in the fourth quarter to swing momentum in London’s favour. Tarik Phillip added 17 points and 8 rebounds, while Joel Scott contributed 14 points and 8 rebounds. Deane Williams chipped in 10 points in a strong all-around team performance.

Manchester started fast, with Donovan Mitchell leading the early charge as the home side pushed the tempo and found success in transition. The Lions responded through Ethan Price, who made an immediate impact with a put-back to open scoring and later knocked down a trailing three to stretch the floor.

Chaundee Brown Jr. added a three early, while strong interior finishes from Price helped London stay within reach. However, Manchester’s offensive rhythm, led by Mitchell and timely perimeter shooting, saw them take a 27–24 lead at the end of the first quarter.

The second quarter remained tightly contested.

McGusty opened the period with a tough mid-range jumper, and Shavar Reynolds Jr. added difficult finishes inside to keep the Lions close. Manchester continued to find answers, particularly from the perimeter, but London responded through hustle plays and improved ball movement.

A key stretch saw Phillip create a turnover that led to a transition score for Deane Williams, tying the game and shifting momentum. McGusty then converted at the free-throw line to level the score again late in the half, with the teams heading into the break tied at 46–46.

The third quarter saw the Lions begin to assert themselves.

Phillip led the charge offensively, finishing through contact and attacking the rim, while Scott made his presence felt inside with second-chance points and physical finishes. McGusty and Scott connected effectively in pick-and-roll situations, leading to easy opportunities at the rim.

Although Manchester continued to respond, including key baskets from Jordan Johnson, the Lions edged ahead late in the quarter. A transition slam from Deane Williams helped London take a 68–66 lead into the final period.

The fourth quarter was a back-and-forth battle.

Manchester briefly regained the lead, but the Lions continued to respond. Reynolds connected with Price on a lob to tie the game, before McGusty and Phillip combined to keep London within striking distance.

In the closing minutes, the Lions took control.

Brown knocked down a crucial corner three to give London the lead, before McGusty took over. A transition layup followed by a tough fadeaway jumper extended the advantage, giving the Lions breathing room late in the game.

Manchester had chances to respond, including a late turnover opportunity, but London remained composed. McGusty sealed the game at the free-throw line, closing out a hard-fought 91–86 victory.

The win highlights the Lions’ ability to execute under pressure, responding to adversity and delivering in key moments as they continue to build momentum heading into the postseason.

London now turn their attention to their final regular season game, travelling to face Surrey on Saturday.