London, Friday 13 February - The London Lions delivered a commanding 89–72 victory over the Cheshire Phoenix in the first leg of the Cup Semi-Final at the Copper Box Arena, building a 17-point advantage to carry into Sunday’s decisive second leg in Cheshire.

Six Lions finished in double figures in a complete team performance that blended defensive physicality, transition offence, and second-chance dominance. 

Deane Williams led the way with 19 points, while Aaryn Rai, Tarik Phillip, and Shavar Reynolds Jr. each added 12. Chaundee Brown Jr. and Amin Adamu chipped in 11 apiece, a reflection of London’s depth.

London set the tone early and never allowed Cheshire to fully seize control, responding to every run with composure and purpose.

“First good 40 minutes, game’s not done, job’s not done, we’ve gotta be ready for Sunday,” Head Coach Tautvydas Sabonis said postgame. “But today the guys understood the task at hand, they were physical, they were communicative, they were bumping, hitting, taking away the threes for Cheshire and that was very important and we did a great job on the rebounds.”

The Lions came out aggressive from the opening tip in a matchup that carried familiar rivalry energy. After conceding the first basket, London responded with force by pushing in transition, attacking the paint, and crashing the offensive glass. Brown and Rai sparked early momentum inside, while Williams’ activity on both ends ignited the crowd.

A steal from Adamu led to a soaring transition finish from Williams, and Adamu later knocked down a three to cap a blistering first quarter. London closed the opening period on a surge to lead 29–11, dictating pace and physicality from the outset.

Cheshire steadied themselves in the second quarter behind Patrick Robinson and Laquincy Rideau, trimming the deficit with timely shot-making and improved defensive pressure. A four-point play from Skyler White and a short run midway through the period cut the lead to single digits. Robinson’s late free throws helped Cheshire close the half within striking distance at 48–39.

Out of the break, the Phoenix threatened again. A three from Jaxon Brenchley brought the margin down to five midway through the third, shifting momentum briefly.

But London answered.

Reynolds attacked downhill off a rejected ball screen for an and-one finish, forcing a Cheshire timeout and re-establishing control. Crisp ball movement led to consecutive threes from Williams and Adamu, stretching the lead back into double figures. The Lions’ defensive communication tightened, and their transition push returned as they carried a 70–58 advantage into the fourth.

“Take away their strengths, forced them to play to their weakness,” Williams said. “We knew what we could live with and die by. Everyone came in focused, we knew the game plan and executed it well.”

The Lions closed with authority. Phillip and Rai delivered strong finishes inside, while Williams continued to anchor both ends with timely buckets and a late chase-down block. Adamu added a shot-clock buzzer-beater three to extinguish any lingering hope of a comeback, sealing the 89–72 result.

London shot efficiently inside the arc, controlled the glass, and turned defensive stops into momentum plays.

The Lions will travel to Cheshire on Sunday to complete the semi-final series, looking to protect their 17 point cushion and secure a place in the Cup Final.

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