Bourg-en-Bresse, Wednesday 4 February — The London Lions suffered a crushing 86–85 road defeat to JL Bourg-en-Bresse on Wednesday night, marking the Lions’ third straight EuroCup defeat decided by a single point.

Despite being out of EuroCup playoff contention, London delivered one of their strongest offensive performances of the competition, outshooting Bourg and producing a dominant second half that nearly secured a statement road win against a side fighting to remain in the top two of Group B.

“Everything I work out for, everything, I’m very grateful to make this shot to help my team get this win,” said Assemian Moulare, whose three-pointer with 0.5 seconds remaining sealed the dramatic victory for the hosts.

London were led by Ethan Price, who recorded a professional career-high 21 points, while Tarik Phillip added 17 points and Shavar Reynolds Jr. finished with a double-double of 14 points and 10 assists. The Lions showed balance, composure, and shot-making across the lineup, particularly after halftime, as they repeatedly answered Bourg’s runs in a hostile road environment.

For Bourg, Both Gach led all scorers with 19 points, while Assemian finished with 17, including the decisive shot. Darius McGhee added 17 points and nine assists, driving Bourg’s late-game execution.

Bourg opened the game sharply, jumping out to a 9–2 lead behind early shot-making from McGhee and frequent trips to the free-throw line. Ethan Price kept London within reach early, scoring seven of the Lions’ first nine points, while Shavar Reynolds Jr. settled the offence with timely midrange pull-ups as the gap narrowed to 22–19 after the first quarter.

The second quarter remained physical and whistle-heavy. Bourg capitalised on foul trouble and early bonus situations to stretch the lead, despite London finding moments of rhythm through Deane Williams’ activity and improved ball movement.

A late Bourg push sent the hosts into halftime with a 44–34 advantage, with Gach leading all scorers and Reynolds pacing London.

Everything changed after the break.

London erupted out of halftime with pace and purpose, opening the third quarter on a 10–2 run. Reynolds orchestrated the offence, Price finished confidently inside and out, and Tarik Phillip delivered a momentum-shifting snatch-back three to pull the Lions within one.

A deep three from Karolis Lukošiūnas put London in front for the first time since the opening minutes, and the Lions closed the quarter on a 16-point swing. Deane Williams capped the surge by drilling a three at the buzzer, sending London into the fourth quarter with a 60–54 lead.

The Lions carried that momentum into the final period, answering every Bourg push with poise and shot-making. Phillip and Lukošiūnas knocked down timely threes, Williams continued to punish switches inside, and Price converted key free throws to extend the margin. With 58.8 seconds remaining, London held an 85–77 lead.

What followed was a brutal closing sequence.

McGhee buried a quick three, Bourg forced pressure turnovers, and a missed opportunity at the line opened the door. McGhee then hit another three before stealing the inbounds pass and drawing a foul on a three-point attempt, cutting the deficit to two with 35 seconds remaining.

After a London miss, McGhee pushed the ball coast-to-coast and found Assemian wide open on the wing. Assemian calmly knocked down the buzzer-beating three with 0.5 seconds on the clock, sealing the 86–85 result.

“I don’t want to analyse this game,” said Bourg head coach Frédéric Fauthoux. “I’m so proud of my team…tonight we saw big heart.”

Focus now shifts back to domestic play, as London return to Super League Basketball action on Saturday, traveling to face the Surrey 89ers at 6:00 PM.