James Vear was a happy man after his London Lions team ended Leicester Riders’ perfect start to the BBL Championship season with a 79-77 home win, on Sunday.
“We didn’t play particularly well, but we gutted out a win” he said. “It was nice that we didn’t play our best but manage to tough it out to get what is a really important victory. We have some good plays and big stops down the stretch, and I’m delighted we finally go to beat Leicester.”
Vear was impressed with Josh Ward-Hibbert’s performance as he hit a season-high 15 points, missing a double-double by a single rebound:
“That’s the performance we’ve been waiting for” he said. “He’s been unlucky with injuries, but he was our best player on both ends of the court. He was incredible at times, and that’s his best performance in a Lions’ uniform.”
Vear was also pleased with new signing Ryan Martin who finished with six points and four rebounds in 22 minutes:
“Ryan brings us toughness, he’s someone who can play in multiple positions defensively, and can guard one-through-five which is great for us. I think he showed glimpses of what he can do when he’s fully fit.”
Lions return to action on Saturday with a trip to Bristol Flyers.
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