LONDON, Tuesday 23 September - The London Lions turned their Copper Box home opener into a statement, rallying from a halftime deficit to defeat Cheshire Phoenix 89–83 in a thrilling comeback that had the crowd on their feet.

What started as a grind became a masterclass in fourth-quarter execution. Trailing by as many as 11 points in the third, London flipped the script with a devastating 31-17 final period that showcased everything the Lions want to be this season.

Joel Scott continued his scorching start with 21 points, but it was Shavar Reynolds Jr. who orchestrated the comeback with 18 points and 10 assists, finding teammates in all the right spots when the game was on the line. The Lions' ability to get to the free-throw line proved decisive-they knocked down 25 of 31 attempts while controlling the glass 38–25.

Cheshire came to play, with Frankie Policelli lighting up the scoreboard for 22 points including six three-pointers that kept Phoenix ahead for most of the night. But when the Lions found their rhythm in the fourth, there was no stopping the surge.

"When the ball has love and we keep it moving, everybody's engaged," said head coach Tautvydas Sabonis. "We went away from that in the second quarter, but late in the game we figured it out."

Scott, now with 46 points in his first two Lions appearances, emphasised the team-first mentality driving their early success. "My teammates have trusted me and found me, but it won't be my night every night. When that happens, I know they'll pick me up."

The victory improves London to 2-0 in Super League Basketball play and sets up another home fixture this Friday when they host the Bristol Flyers at the Copper Box Arena. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:30pm with tickets available on Ticketmaster.