Cheshire, Sunday 15 February — The London Lions have advanced to the SLB Cup Final after securing a 165-156 aggregate victory over Cheshire Phoenix, using their 17-point first-leg cushion to progress despite an 84-76 second-leg defeat on the road.

With progression to the SLB Cup Final secured, London’s pursuit of a rare domestic quadruple remains firmly on track. The Lions have already lifted the SLB Trophy this season and now will look to make it a double with the Cup title when they face off against Manchester in Manchester. If they were to secure the Cup, a quadruple would then need a winning of the Championship regular season – where they currently sit atop of the table – along with the Playoff title.

Chaundee Brown Jr. led the Lions with 12 points and eight rebounds, while Aaryn Rai recorded a double-double with 11 points and 10 rebounds. Shavar Reynolds Jr. added 11 points, and Deane Williams contributed 10 as London placed four players in double figures.

Cheshire stormed out of the gates with urgency, opening on an 11–0 run fueled by LaQuincy Rideau’s early aggression and transition shooting from Skyler White. The Phoenix fed off their home crowd energy, forcing an early Lions timeout as they looked to chip away at the aggregate deficit.

London gradually settled. Aaryn Rai knocked down a three, and Deane Williams finished off the glass late in the quarter to trim the margin to four, 23–19, after one.

The Lions found better rhythm in the second period. Williams capitalised inside against double teams, and defensive stops led to transition opportunities. After Chaundee Brown converted two free throws following an Ethan Price block on the other end, London briefly took their first lead of the game. The half closed with the Lions narrowly ahead 36–35, steadying the tie despite Cheshire’s aggressive push.

The third quarter proved pivotal. Cheshire ramped up their pressure and forced key turnovers, building a 63–50 advantage and cutting London’s aggregate lead to just four at one stage. Patrick Robinson repeatedly attacked in transition, while Lindo and Diggins converted second-chance opportunities to shift momentum.

But the Lions responded again.

A post touch from Joel Scott led to a Brown three, Rai powered inside for consecutive finishes, and a Tarik Phillip pick-and-roll feed set up a Williams slam to close the gap. London trimmed the deficit to 63–57 entering the fourth, regaining control of the overall tie.

The final period swung back and forth. Rideau fouled out midway through the quarter, and London briefly reclaimed the lead after aggressive downhill drives from Reynolds and Phillip. Brown’s steal and composed free throws extended the advantage to three, and Williams’ contested finish inside pushed it to four with under five minutes remaining.

Cheshire, however, closed strong.

Offensive rebounds led to a key three from Diggins, Robinson converted in transition to regain the lead, and late turnovers from London allowed the Phoenix to stretch the margin in the final minute. Cheshire secured the 84–76 win on the night, but the damage from Friday’s first leg ultimately proved decisive.

London’s dominant home performance provided enough separation to withstand the late surge and advance.

While London have booked their spot in the SLB Cup Final against Manchester on March 22 at the AO Arena, their focus shifts back to a busy stretch of league games in the coming weeks before that opportunity arrives.

Up next, the Lions return to domestic league action Friday night at the Copper Box Arena, hosting Leicester at 7:30 PM.

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