London, Thursday 10 September 2026 – The London Lions will face Paris Basketball in the final of the London Lions Invitational after both sides secured victories on the opening day of the tournament at the Copper Box Arena.
London overcame Śląsk Wrocław 96-78, overturning an early deficit before taking control in the second half.
Joel Scott provided early interior production for the hosts, but Wrocław maintained a six-point advantage at the first break. The visitors continued to execute effectively inside during the second quarter, keeping the contest tight as London worked to close the gap.
London turned the game in the third quarter, outscoring Wrocław 28-21 to take a six-point lead into the final period.
The Lions then pulled away in the fourth quarter, holding Wrocław to 11 points to secure the 18-point victory. Scott finished with a team-high 20 points, while Keenan Evans added 14.
In Thursday’s other game, Paris Basketball edged Žalgiris Kaunas in a dramatic finish.
Paris controlled much of the contest, building a significant advantage as the French side pushed the pace and found success offensively. Žalgiris responded in the second half, gradually cutting into the deficit before completing their comeback late in the fourth quarter.
The Lithuanian side eventually took the lead, setting up a tense final possession. With just 0.5 seconds remaining, Paris guard Nadir Hifi drove to the basket and converted a difficult finish inside to put Paris back in front by one.
Žalgiris were unable to find an answer before the final buzzer, sending Paris through to Friday’s championship game in a dramatic conclusion.
The London Lions will face Paris Basketball in the London Lions Invitational final at 8:30pm on Friday, 11 September, while Žalgiris Kaunas and Śląsk Wrocław will meet in the third-place game at 5:30pm.
