Anotherbig fourth quarter run saw the Lions confirm their spot in the BritishBasketball League Trophy semi-finals.
MattMorgan and David Nwaba combined for 42 points as London picked up their sixth straight win in all competitions.
After picking up victories against theEagles and Riders at the Copper Box, the London Lions looked to continue theirTrophy run as they headed north to face the Manchester Giants.
Ahead of their meeting at the NationalBasketball Centre, Brian Semonian’s side went into the game looking for theirfirst Trophy victory of the season - having lost to Bristol, Leicester andNewcastle in recent games.
After 10 minutes played in the match, therewas not much to separate the two teams with London winning the first quarter bythree points. William Lee, who had 24 points in the game, stood out forManchester in the early stages as the American took on the responsibility ofrallying on the hosts.
An issue for Petar Boźić’s side wasturnovers, which cost them numerous times throughout the match. Although they were moving the ball well with 26 assists in the game, the Lions finished the night with 14 turnovers - which led to Manchester picking up extra points.
Legend Robertin’s efficiency was causing the visitors problems early on as the 29-year-old used his size to work his way into the paint. However, despite the Giants’ best efforts, London continued torelentlessly fire back which saw them take a 48-43 score line into the second half.
The third quarter was once again evenly contested, with the Giants and Lions going basket for basket in what was at hrilling match-up.
It was the hosts who closed the quarter with momentum, however. A Nick Lewis three-pointer combined with a circus shot from Evan Walshe to trim London’s lead. With seconds left on the clock, Jalen Harris beat the buzzer to put his team ahead with 10 minutes left to play.
It is worth mentioning that the hosts were short-handed in the game, playing a rotation of just seven players. The Lions knew they were up against tired legs and made the most of it with a 31-21fourth quarter run.
With 1:40 left on the clock, the London Lions led by just three points with the game still very much hanging in the balance. From here, a Matt Morgan three-point play and a Luke Nelson dagger from distance proved to be enough as the visitors left Manchester with their spot confirmed for Birmingham in two weeks’ time.
London will now take some much deserve drest before taking on Joventut Badalona at the Copper Box on Wednesday January 17th.
Watch the highlights from Manchester Giants vs London Lions here.
