The Lions move to 2-0 in this season’s British Basketball League Trophy, getting past the Riders by a 15-point margin.
Four London players posted double-digit points in a well-rounded team performance at the Copper Box.
The London Lions kicked off their British Basketball Trophy campaign against the Newcastle Eagles last Thursday, winning the game by 22 points on home court. However, despite what the deficit may suggest, Petar Božić’s side didn’t have things their own way from start to finish following a slow start in East London.
As a result, the Lions knew they had to begin the match against Leicester with the same intensity that they had against Newcastle in the second half. Although just three points separated the two teams after five minutes, the hosts went on to find their feet in the game - which was aided by Leicester’s shooting struggles.
Just a couple of minutes into the second period, the Lions went ahead by 12 points. Josh Sharma was using his height and frame to his advantage in the paint - as the Stanford alumni finished the game just two rebounds shy of a double-double.
Although the visitors were able to trim the deficit, the hosts once again ended the quarter strongly to take a 10-point lead into halftime.
The returning Matt Morgan set the pace for London in the second half. The American guard came straight out of the blocks and restarted the hosts’ scoring tally with a quick burst to the hoop - commencing a 20-9 quarter for the Lions.
Leicester, who shot 33.3% on the afternoon, didn’t find their first bucket in the quarter until there were four minutes left in the period. Miryne Thomas’ bucket put an end to a 13-0 London run, which set the home side up for the victory.
Although Rob Paternostro’s side enjoyed their best spell of the game in the fourth quarter, it was a case of being too little too late for the Riders - who fell short against a determined London Lions.
Next on the agenda for Petar Božić and his team is a trip to Belgrade as they return to EuroCup action on Tuesday.
Watch the highlights from London Lions vs Leicester Riders here.
