London, Wednesday 11 February  — The London Lions fell 66–58 to Lietkabelis Panevezys in their final EuroCup game of the season, as rebounding and second-chance opportunities proved decisive in a low-scoring battle at the Copper Box Arena.

With both teams already eliminated from playoff contention, pride and momentum were on the line. Lietkabelis delivered in the key areas, outrebounding London 47–30 and limiting the Lions to just 58 points.

Lietkabelis head coach Nenad Čanak highlighted the physical edge postgame.

“Each game for us means a lot. Today both teams played very physically. For us it was very important we dominated in the rebounds and that was one of the deciding factors today.”

London was led by Shavar Reynolds Jr. with 13 points, while Tarik Phillip added 12 points and five assists. Ethan Price finished with 10 points on an efficient 5-of-5 from two-point range, but the Lions struggled to find consistent rhythm offensively.

For Lietkabelis, Jamel Morris paced all scorers with 20 points, while Kristian Kullamäe added 18 — including key perimeter shots to halt London runs. Fardaws Aimaq controlled the interior with 14 points and 14 rebounds, anchoring the rebounding dominance that defined the contest.

The game opened with both teams struggling to score, going scoreless for nearly two minutes before Aimaq converted inside to break the deadlock. London briefly found momentum through interior finishes from Price and energy plays from Chaundee Brown Jr., edging ahead 14–12 after a physical first quarter filled with fouls.

The second quarter proved pivotal. After trading baskets early, Lietkabelis extended their lead through improved ball movement and second-chance scoring. A 7–0 run midway through the period, combined with strong perimeter shooting from Kullamäe, pushed the visitors ahead. A late three to close the half gave Lietkabelis a 35–25 advantage at the break.

Sabonis reflected on that turning point.

“Not the way we wanted to finish the EuroCup. I think the first quarter we started pretty well but in the second quarter their zone threw us off a little. In the third quarter we kinda reactivated, starting from our defence. At the end of the day finished with 66 points from them but 58 points from us is not good, the ball was not falling…I want to thank the fans for coming out today.”

London responded in the third quarter, tightening defensively and cutting the deficit to just two points at 45–47 after a Tarik Phillip three and free throws. 

However, offensive rebounds continued to extend Lietkabelis possessions, limiting the Lions’ ability to seize momentum.

The fourth quarter saw Morris and Kullamäe deliver timely perimeter shots, while Aimaq’s presence inside stretched the margin to double digits. Despite late finishes from Deane Williams and trips to the free-throw line from Reynolds, London could not overcome the rebounding gap.

Ethan Price pointed to offensive flow and rebounding as critical factors.

“Offensively it was shown today we weren’t really moving the ball I think that hurt us, especially in the second and last quarter. Then we’ve gotta fix up on the defensive rebounding, that hurt us a lot too.”

The defeat brings London’s EuroCup campaign to a close in eighth place, as both sides exit the competition looking to carry lessons forward into domestic play.

The Lions now turn their attention to the SLB Cup Semi-Finals, returning to the Copper Box Arena on Friday night to face the Cheshire Phoenix in the first leg.

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