Cheshire, Sunday 18 October 2026 – London Lions extended their unbeaten start to the SLB Championship season on Sunday, edging Cheshire Phoenix 87-83 on the road to improve to 6-0 in league play.
After a back-and-forth first half, the Lions built a 10-point advantage at the break but were forced to withstand a series of Cheshire runs in the second half. With the game going down to the final possessions, London made the key plays late to secure the win and close out a demanding week of competition.
Landrius Horton led the Lions with 17 points, shooting 4/5 from three-point range, while Tarik Phillip and Thomas Kennedy added 14 points apiece. Phillip also recorded seven assists and four rebounds, while Kennedy contributed three assists and three steals. Joel Scott finished with 13 points and four rebounds, including crucial baskets in the closing minutes, and Maxwell Lewis added 11 points.
The teams traded baskets early, with Kennedy opening the scoring for London with a powerful dunk.
Cheshire's work on the offensive glass helped keep the hosts in contention, and the sides remained close throughout much of the first half.
With just over two minutes remaining before the break, Cheshire levelled the score at 35-35, forcing a timeout from Head Coach Tautvydas Sabonis.
The Lions responded strongly out of the timeout.
Phillip found a floater after a broken play before connecting from beyond the arc late in the shot clock following excellent ball movement. Phillip helped lead a 10-0 run to close the half, sending London into the interval with a 45-35 lead.
Cheshire quickly threatened to turn the momentum after the break, with Skyler White answering London's early three-pointers with a series of long-range shots.
The hosts cut the deficit to just two points midway through the third quarter, but London continued to find answers through its inside-out offence, with Horton connecting from deep and Kennedy finishing around the basket.
The contest remained tight entering the final period, and Cheshire continued to apply pressure. White's shooting from beyond the arc kept the hosts within reach, while London looked to Scott and Phillip to respond. Scott finished in transition to restore a four-point lead before securing a key offensive rebound for another scoring opportunity.
With the game in the balance, Horton delivered a step-back jumper late in the shot clock, and Phillip drove to the basket for another important finish.
Cheshire continued to fight, cutting the margin to one with an and-one play, but Scott answered with a spin finish inside to keep London ahead.
The Lions then faced a tense final stretch. After Cheshire scored to make it a one-point game with 13 seconds remaining, Scott was fouled and converted both free throws to extend London's lead.
Kennedy secured the defensive rebound on Cheshire's final possession and was fouled with two seconds left, making one of his two free throws to help seal the 87-83 victory.
The result keeps London unbeaten at 6-0 in SLB Championship play, with the Lions now turning their attention back to European competition. London travel to Romania on Wednesday to face U-BT Cluj-Napoca in EuroCup action.
