Newcastle, Friday 1 May — The London Lions delivered a composed road performance to defeat the Newcastle Eagles 90–72 in the first leg of the SLB Quarter-Finals, taking an 18-point advantage into Sunday’s second leg at Crystal Palace.

In a playoff setting where control and execution are key, the Lions imposed themselves across all four quarters, using defensive discipline and balanced scoring to steadily build separation and silence a tough Newcastle home crowd.

Kameron McGusty led the Lions with 18 points, while Chaundee Brown Jr. added 16 in an efficient performance. Joel Scott contributed 13 points and six rebounds, with Deane Williams adding 12 points and seven rebounds. Shavar Reynolds Jr. chipped in 10 points and six assists, as London once again showcased their depth with multiple contributors.

The Lions set the tone early, opening the game through Ethan Price at the free throw line before quickly finding rhythm in transition. Brown finished strongly on the break after a feed from Reynolds, while early defensive pressure helped London build a narrow lead midway through the opening quarter.

Newcastle responded with perimeter shooting to briefly take the lead late in the first, but the Lions answered through second-chance opportunities. McGusty converted from the line after multiple offensive rebounds, before Williams knocked down a three to close the quarter, giving London a 21–19 edge.

The second quarter proved decisive.

London’s defensive intensity surged, holding Newcastle to just nine points in the period. Brown knocked down a corner three to extend the lead, while strong interior play from Price and Tarik Phillip kept the scoreboard moving.

A key moment came when Scott swatted a shot on the defensive end, sparking a transition sequence that ended with an alley-oop finish for Williams. The Lions continued to push the pace, with McGusty adding a three late in the quarter to cap a dominant stretch.

By halftime, London had opened up a commanding 45–30 lead.

The Lions maintained control in the third quarter.

Brown opened the half with a three to push the lead beyond 20, setting the tone for another strong period. Scott added a pick-and-pop three and followed it with a powerful finish inside, while Reynolds’ activity in passing lanes created easy transition opportunities for London.

Back-to-back transition scores, including a finish from Aaryn Rai and a slam from Williams, highlighted the Lions’ ability to turn defence into offence. Despite brief resistance from Newcastle, London closed the quarter with a 71–50 advantage.

In the final period, the Lions remained composed.

Williams sparked the quarter with a leak-out dunk, while McGusty added an emphatic drive and finish to maintain momentum. Newcastle made a late push, cutting the deficit, but timely responses from London ensured control never slipped.

Reynolds knocked down a three late in the shot clock, Scott added another strong finish inside, and McGusty delivered a key fadeaway jumper in the closing minutes. Brown and McGusty combined again down the stretch to halt any comeback hopes, sealing the 90–72 victory.

The result gives the Lions a significant cushion heading into the second leg, where they will look to finish the job and advance to the Semi-Finals.

London return home to Crystal Palace on Sunday for the decisive second leg, with a place in the next round on the line.