London, Wednesday 7 January — The London Lions saw a crucial EuroCup opportunity slip away at the Copper Box Arena, falling 78–70 to Niners Chemnitz in a tightly contested matchup that would have lifted them into playoff contention in Group B. Instead, the Lions remain in seventh place, just outside the qualification positions, placing an increased pressure on their remaining EuroCup fixtures.

Chemnitz was powered by a confident and assertive performance from Kostja Mushidi, who poured in a game-high 22 points, repeatedly delivering tough makes in key moments. Kevin Yebo added interior production with 17 points, while Corey Davis Jr. chipped in timely baskets down the stretch as the NINERS executed late to close the game.

Chemnitz head coach Rodrigo Pastore praised his group’s execution under pressure.

“Very satisfied with the performance of our team considering the circumstances. With guys missing and some of our guys not being 100% today, very happy with what we did — especially in the second half, limiting their second chances, keeping them off the free-throw line, and doing much better than in the first half.”

For London, Shavar Reynolds Jr. and Tarik Phillip led the way with 15 points apiece, while Deane Williams added 13 points in another strong performance. Johnathan Williams III provided consistent finishing inside with nine points and nine rebounds, keeping the Lions within striking distance throughout the night.

Despite trailing early, the Lions showed resilience, carrying a 41–40 halftime lead after a composed second quarter that featured strong interior finishes and improved ball movement.

Chemnitz opened the game sharply, moving the ball with purpose and converting clean looks inside. Mushidi established early rhythm, knocking down multiple perimeter jumpers, while Yebo’s physicality created pressure in the paint.

London responded through Deane Williams and Phillip to stabilize the opening quarter.

Momentum swung in London’s favor in the second period. Amin Adamu attacked the rim to level the score, before Johnathan Williams III finished a pick-and-roll dunk to give the Lions a brief advantage. Reynolds continued to pressure the defense downhill, helping London edge ahead by one at the break.

The third quarter proved decisive.

Mushidi remained aggressive, drilling another three and converting a difficult fadeaway from the short corner. Chemnitz punished turnovers and extended possessions, while London struggled to string together consecutive stops. Although Phillip and Reynolds answered with timely buckets, the NINERS built a 62–57 edge heading into the final period.

London battled in the fourth, trimming the margin to one possession on multiple occasions behind Phillip’s driving finish and Johnathan Williams’ free throws.

However, Chemnitz answered every push. Davis buried a crucial three, Mushidi responded with another tough make, and Minchev capped the closing stretch with a breakaway dunk after a late steal to seal the result.

Lions head coach Tautvydas Sabonis acknowledged the missed opportunities.

“They deserved the win today. We didn’t come in with the right mindset. Second quarter we picked it up, but when we had to make a statement in the third, they came out with a statement. In the fourth we had moments where we could have taken the lead but didn’t capitalise, and they punished us.”

Reynolds echoed the importance of late-game execution while thanking the home crowd.

“Thank you to the fans that came out today — we wish we could have got it done. We got some good looks in the fourth, we just missed them. Down the stretch it came down to defence, and they made their plays.”

The Lions now turn their focus back to domestic action, travelling to Newcastle on Friday night for a 7:30 PM tip-off against the Eagles.