Manchester, Sunday 22 February — The London Lions delivered a resilient fourth-quarter comeback to defeat Manchester 82–74 on the road, closing the game on a decisive 23–9 run to secure an important Super League Basketball victory against an in-form opponent.

Chaundee Brown Jr. led the Lions with 20 points, delivering multiple clutch baskets down the stretch. Shavar Reynolds Jr. controlled the game late with 16 points and eight assists, including back-to-back pull-up jumpers in the final minutes to seal the win. Joel Scott added 15 points, while Deane Williams contributed 14, providing key interior presence and timely finishes throughout the contest.

Despite trailing for much of the game, London remained composed and found another level in the closing moments, using defensive stops and efficient execution to turn momentum in their favour.

Manchester opened with confidence, using perimeter shot-making from Jordan Johnson and Kyle Carey to build an early lead. London responded through physical interior play, with Scott powering inside and Brown attacking downhill to keep the Lions within striking distance. Manchester held a narrow 21–18 advantage after the first quarter.

The second quarter featured continued back-and-forth scoring. Scott provided a spark with finishes inside and a three-pointer, while Reynolds orchestrated the offence and created opportunities through the pick-and-roll. Brown’s aggressive transition play briefly gave London the lead, but Manchester answered with a late run to enter halftime ahead 44–40.

London continued to battle in the third quarter, reclaiming the lead momentarily after an Amin Adamu three-pointer and Brown’s aggressive scoring stretch. However, Manchester responded behind Johnson and Max Jones, who converted difficult shots and capitalised on turnovers to extend their advantage to 65–59 entering the final period.

The Lions’ defining stretch came in the fourth quarter.

Williams opened the period with a strong finish inside, and Reynolds followed with a mid-range jumper to cut the deficit. Morayo Soluade knocked down a corner three to give London their first lead of the quarter, igniting the Lions’ momentum. Manchester briefly regained control, but Brown answered with consecutive three-pointers to keep the game within reach.

With under three minutes remaining, Williams finished off a pick-and-roll to give London a 74–73 lead. After Manchester tied the game from the free throw line, Reynolds took control — knocking down back-to-back pull-up jumpers from nearly identical spots to give the Lions a four-point cushion with just over a minute remaining.

London’s defence then delivered when it mattered most. Consecutive stops and a strong finish from Williams extended the lead, and the Lions closed the game with composure to complete the victory.

The win marks another statement performance for London on the road, showcasing their resilience and ability to execute under pressure against one of the league’s most in-form teams.

The Lions now prepare to face Manchester once again on March 4 at the Copper Box Arena following the international break, before the two sides meet in the SLB Cup Final at the AO Arena on March 22.

London remain atop the SLB Championship standings with a 15-3 record as they continue their pursuit of a rare domestic quadruple.