Panevėžys, Lithuania, Thursday 4 December - The London Lions delivered one of their most complete performances of the EuroCup season on Thursday night, defeating Lietkabelis Panevezys 61-74 on the road to move to 4-5 in Group B and keep their playoff hopes firmly alive.

Tarik Phillip was magnificent with 15 points, 12 rebounds and seven assists in a dominant all-around display that controlled the game's crucial moments. Chasson Randle delivered his best performance in a Lions jersey with 13 points, including three quick-fire three-pointers in the second quarter that gave London their first significant lead. Deane Williams added 15 points, capping the victory with an emphatic alley-oop dunk in the final seconds.

Any concerns about rustiness following the FIBA international window were quickly put to rest as London established their defensive intensity from the opening tip.

"Our defence, holding a team to 61 points for a good team like this…it was important that the gentlemen understood what the task was and they put up a very good game," said Head Coach Tautvydas Sabonis. "I thought the whole team did a great job and understood the game at hand and I'm very proud of my gentlemen."On Phillip's stellar performance, Sabonis added: "He's the guy that's gonna give me a heart attack but he's a competitor, he fights, he bleeds, he sweats London and that is the symbol that we need. Today he put up a great performance."

The victory was built on Randle's hot shooting and a devastating 15-0 run that bridged halftime and broke the game open. Randle's trio of three-pointers in the second quarter opened up breathing room for the visitors. Then, with the score tied at 27-27 and 2:42 remaining in the half, London launched a game-breaking surge.

The Lions carried that momentum through the interval and continued the onslaught deep into the third quarter. The run finally ended at 7:53 remaining in the period, by which time London had established a commanding double-digit advantage they would never relinquish.

"I came out tried to give energy," said Phillip. "This was an energy game coming off the break, we've been working for the past week or so, so just wanted to come out and play with a lot of energy."

London's defensive intensity set the tone throughout. The Lions held Lietkabelis to just 61 points on 24.1% from three-point range, forcing 16 turnovers with their aggressive full-court pressure. Jamel Morris led the hosts with 22 points but received little help, as London's swarming defence limited the Lithuanian side's offensive options and never allowed them to establish rhythm.

Johnathan Williams added eight points and eight rebounds in another solid frontcourt performance, whilst Kameron McGusty chipped in eight points. The balanced attack and relentless defensive effort demonstrated the identity Sabonis has been building throughout the season.

The result moves London to 4-5 in Group B, keeping them firmly in the hunt for a top-six finish and playoff qualification. Lietkabelis dropped to 2-7 and face an increasingly difficult path forward.