London, Friday 11 September 2026 – The London Lions were crowned champions of the London Lions Invitational after defeating Paris Basketball 84-75 at the Copper Box Arena on Friday evening.
The Lions were led by Tarik Phillip, who finished with 20 points and five assists. Keenan Evans added 13 points and four rebounds, while Joel Scott, Maxwell Lewis III and Deane Williams each contributed 10 points.
The Lions set the tone from the opening minutes, using defensive stops and quick offence to build an early advantage. Tarik Phillip made an immediate impact, scoring eight points in the opening quarter as London took a 22-13 lead after ten minutes.
London continued to control the contest in the second quarter, with their defensive intensity creating opportunities at the other end. The Lions built a double-digit advantage before Paris closed the gap late in the half, leaving London ahead 43-36 at the break.
The Lions came out of the interval with another strong defensive stretch. Keenan Evans opened the second half with a finish inside before drawing an offensive foul, while Maxwell Lewis came up with a key block that led to a transition score as London extended their lead.
Paris responded with a run late in the third quarter, but London maintained control heading into the final period with a 65-53 advantage.
The French side continued to fight back in the fourth, cutting the deficit to five points with under three minutes remaining. Phillip answered with a tough finish before Paris again closed the gap in the final minute.
With the game still in the balance, Thomas Kennedy kept possession alive with an offensive tip-out to Evans, who knocked down a three-pointer to seal the victory and the London Lions Invitational title.
Lions Head Coach Tautvydas Sabonis said:
“Today they understood the task at hand, they understood what we wanted for them.”
The victory completed a perfect two-day run for the Lions, who opened the tournament with a 96-78 win over Śląsk Wrocław before defeating Paris, a EuroLeague side, in Friday’s championship game.
Earlier in the day, Žalgiris Kaunas claimed third place with an 86-56 victory over Śląsk Wrocław.
After leading 19-16 at the end of the first quarter, Žalgiris gradually pulled away behind a balanced offensive effort and strong defensive performance. The Lithuanian side held a 40-32 advantage at half-time before breaking the game open in the third quarter, outscoring Śląsk 24-9 to take a commanding lead.
Žalgiris continued to control the game down the stretch, maintaining their tempo and keeping Wrocław at a distance.
The London Lions Invitational concluded with London lifting the trophy in front of their home supporters at the Copper Box Arena.
The Lions now turn their attention to the start of the SLB campaign, opening the new season away at Bristol Flyers on Friday, 18 September.
