Lions edge thriller in overtime; Caledonia clinch vital double-overtime victory

In a warm-up to the Super League Basketball (SLB) Cup final, the championship served up two fantastic matchups to stir excitement among British basketball fans.

The London Lions’ preparation for the SLB Cup final began with an overtime fixture against the Surrey 89ers to kick off this week’s championship slate.

London Lions 92-84 Surrey 89ers

London Lions forward Kameron McGusty chalked up 17 points, five rebounds, and four assists to drag his team over the line in a fierce showdown with the Surrey 89ers.

Both teams went toe-to-toe in the first quarter as they looked to gain a stranglehold in this matchup. Kino Lily Jr. scored six points for the Surrey 89ers, while Marayo Solaude buried two shots from deep to cancel out his efforts.

It was Surrey who stole the momentum in the second quarter to establish a six-point lead as the first half came to a close. A big quarter from 89ers’ center Michael Graham saw him record nine points, three rebounds, and a vital block.

The Lions gathered their composure at the break and came out of the blocks with a spring in their step, outscoring their opponents by six points to bring the tie level.

Again, the two teams could not be separated in the final quarter. Ronald Polite III scored 15 of Surrey’s 20 points to emphatically send the game into overtime.

London’s squad depth became apparent in a dominant extra period from the championship leaders. Tarik Phillip took advantage of three trips to the free-throw line by sinking all six attempts, ensuring the Lions recorded their 18th win on the season.

Player of the Game: Michael Graham (Surrey 89ers)

Leicester Riders 100-106 Caledonia Gladiators

Both the Leicester Riders and the Caledonia Gladiators were desperate to chalk up a win in this matchup as they attempt to clinch a place in the postseason.

Leicester started brightly in the first quarter and outscored their opponents by a score of 26-16, with Spencer Johnson accumulating 11 points.

The Gladiators found their offensive rhythm in the second quarter to turn this fixture on its head. Matthew Ragsdale scored eight points as the away team established a marginal one-point lead heading into the halftime break.

Both sides went toe-to-toe in the third quarter. Johnson continued with his impressive scoring antics by recording six more points to his total.

Leicester believed they had clinched the victory in the fourth quarter as Victor Ndoukou scored eight points in the final three minutes of play. However, Caledonia and Ragsdale answered back in dramatic fashion as the electric guard levelled the game with 10 seconds left on the clock to force overtime.

Both the Riders and the Gladiators refused to give up this game without a fight; the score remained level with 36 seconds left on the clock. Leicester stole a two-point advantage with 15 seconds remaining as Olutomiwa Sulaiman remained the coolest man in the room to drain both of his free throws.

Sensationally, a furious Rob Paternostro was handed a technical for a late foul on Ethan Wright, which Ragsdale expertly converted before Wright buried both of his free throws. Nevertheless, Sulaiman responded with another free throw to take the game to a second period of overtime.

With both sets of players rightfully starting to fatigue, Caledonia took full advantage of the situation. Malcolm Delpeche threw down a huge dunk with a sudden burst of energy, and Ragsdale buried a shot from deep to create a seven-point lead for the away team. Leicester persisted until the final buzzer, but it was Caledonia who would clinch a vital double-overtime victory

Player of the Game: Spencer Johnson (Leicester Riders)

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