Leicester, Thursday 7 May — The London Lions beat the Leicester Riders 89–70 on the road in the first leg of the SLB Semi-Finals, putting together a strong performance to take a 19-point aggregate advantage back to London.

After leading by as many as 23 points in the third quarter, the Lions saw Leicester storm back and cut the deficit to just four before responding with a dominant closing stretch to regain full control of the tie.

Aaryn Rai led the Lions with 17 points in an aggressive performance attacking the basket throughout the night. Chaundee Brown Jr. and Tarik Phillip each added 16 points, while Kameron McGusty chipped in 12 points off the bench.

London’s defensive activity proved key once again, forcing 11 steals while shooting 51% from the field and 41% from three-point range in an efficient offensive display.

The Lions settled in quickly after Leicester opened the game with four early points. Phillip responded immediately with a three before Shavar Reynolds Jr. connected from deep and Brown knocked down a transition three to help London establish an early lead.

Strong ball movement and interior play helped extend the advantage. Joel Scott converted an and-one opportunity, while Rai provided an instant spark with back-to-back finishes inside. Phillip capped the quarter with another strong finish at the rim as London took a 25–17 lead after one.

The second quarter saw the Lions fully take control.

Rai opened the period with an aggressive drive and slam before continuing to attack gaps in the Leicester defence. Scott’s interior passing and Brown’s perimeter shooting helped stretch the lead beyond double digits, while McGusty added instant offence with an up-and-under finish late in the half.

London’s defensive pressure continued to generate transition opportunities, and the Lions closed the half on top 49–28 after holding Leicester to just 11 second-quarter points.

Travis Evee and Flynn Boardman-Raffett sparked a major Riders run, combining for key baskets as Leicester began forcing turnovers and generating momentum. The Lions struggled offensively during stretches of the third quarter, allowing the home side to quickly cut into the deficit.

After trailing by 23, Leicester reduced the margin to just four late in the quarter before a timely corner three from Mo Soluade steadied London and pushed the lead back to seven entering the fourth.

The Lions responded exactly when needed in the final quarter.

Phillip knocked down a key three early before Rai attacked the baseline for another strong finish. Brown answered a Leicester three with one of his own, while Deane Williams stretched the lead further with a three-pointer as London regained full momentum.

The Lions’ execution down the stretch proved decisive, with timely shooting and defensive stops helping rebuild the advantage possession by possession. Rai later converted an and-one finish before Phillip’s free throws pushed the lead back to 20 in the closing minutes.

Leicester continued fighting for every point late in the game with the aggregate score still in play, but London remained composed to close out the 89–70 road victory.

The two sides now head to London for Sunday’s decisive second leg at the Copper Box Arena, where the Lions will look to finish the job and secure a place in the SLB Finals.