Lions too strong as Leicester stars run out of steam

LEICESTER Riders ran out of steam yesterday afternoon at the Copper Box as the London Lions proved too strong in a 98-89 victory in their BBL Cup group qualifying match.

Riders overcame a slow start to push the Lions all the way, but former NBA star Deandre Liggins proved the difference. However, Leicester remain tied at the top of the North Group.

Leicester started the game tentatively, missing open looks, and turning the ball over uncharacteristically. With London needing a win to assure they progress in the Cup, they were much sharper, and fine interplay between two time MVP Justin Robinson and former Rider Chris Tawiah saw Lions into an early 11-3 lead, following consecutive mid-court turnovers by the Riders.

The visitors’ three point shooting has been excellent so far this season,

but they managed just one from their first six, and that single make was by Corey Johnson to stop the Lions’ momentum, with a minute left in the first quarter. But at the end of the first period, the Lions were cruising 25-12. Geno Crandall started the second quarter with a three point

play but, again sparked by Robinson, the Lions went on a nine-nil run to build their largest lead of the game at 36-19.

But Riders went with a smaller line-up and a three point play by Johnson was followed by a Jamell Anderson triple. From then on, Riders dominated the second period, with Darien Nelson hitting a couple of baskets inside, and with fine play from Zach Jackson, they were back in the game, trailing just 45-40 at halftime, in spite of shooting just 35 per cent from the floor at that stage.

Riders started the second half with a five-nil run that included a rare Crandall dunk. And the teams then traded blows with the scores tied on 53 four minutes in. Then former Cleveland Cavalier Liggins took over the game, and swung it decisively in London’s favour. He hit a driving layup, followed by a long three, then another three, following by another driving lap-up, and Lions were suddenly 10 points clear at 63-53.

A technical on the London bench stopped the rot and then Crandall was switched to marking Liggins and that slowed the momentum to cut the

London lead to 71-67. But Liggins then hit a three, and Robinson threw up a hail-mary three point shot on the buzzer to put London up 77-67 with 10 minutes left. Riders kept plugging away in the final quarter, and a Zach Jackson three point play kept Riders within seven. Three three pointers by Johnson in the final minutes ensured Riders maintained their points edge over the two legs, but could not stop the inevitable Lions win, led by Liggins’ 26 points. Riders again had five players in double figures, led by another double-double by William Lee with 15 points and 11 rebounds. Crandall also looked very impressive with 18 points and nine assists.