Game Report: London Lions 109 – 104 Seriös Group Newcastle Eagles

The London Lions extended their unbeaten streak, defeating the Seriös Group Newcastle Eagles in a thrilling overtime win in the British Basketball League.

London Lions starting five: Gabriel Olaseni, Sam Dekker, Tarik Phillip, Matthew Morgan, Donte Grantham

Seriös Group Newcastle Eagles starting five: Rickey McGill, Devin Whitfield, Jordan Johnson, Malcolm Delpeche, Tajh Green

First Half:

When enjoying a perfect start to a new season, what could be better that reintroducing the reigning British Basketball League Most Valuable Player?

That’s exactly what the 7-0 Lions did tonight, as they welcomed Sam Dekker back to the floor of the Copper Box Arena, with the goal of securing their second home win in less than a week, after defeating the Cheshire Phoenix three days prior, but their opponents arrived ready for battle.

An explosive Eagles start was ignited by a
tremendous first quarter display from Tajh Green, who shot the lights out from
beyond the arc. Green scored all three of his deep efforts in the opening eight
minutes, while driving with tenacity when given the opportunity.

Despite their inconsistent form to start the
season, the Eagles pulled in front early, surpassing their underwhelming season
average of four 3-pointers per game within the opening 12 minutes.

Jordan Johnson punctuated an unbelievable start
from tonight’s underdogs, draining a hopeful three and drawing a foul, but
failing to punish London with the four-point play.

The amazing shooting display continued in the
second quarter, with former Lion Josh Ward-Hibbert chipping in with a pair of
threes and instilling some faith into the Eagles faithful.

Then the Champions woke up.

Matt Morgan caught fire and sunk four 3-pointers in just three minutes to inspire a great spell from the Lions. Tarik Phillip also played a part in making up for the sluggish start and both teams entered half-time at 52 points a piece.

Second Half:

The high-octane action continued in the third
quarter, as both teams re-emerged from the break with conviction.

The teams exchanged leads. Tajh Green continued
to find his way to the basket in a multitude of ways for the Eagles, while Donte
Grantham added an interior threat for the Lions.

Temperatures started to rise too, with
unsportsmanlike and technical fouls called on the Lions shortly after the
restart. Newcastle took advantage of the situation, with Devin Whitfield sinking
free throws to create a ten point lead with 15 minutes remaining.

Of course, London had an answer. Grantham scored
two consecutive triples to almost immediately diminish the deficit and remind
Newcastle they really had a game on their hands.

The Eagles didn’t back down. Steals from Larry
Austin Jr. and some relentless team rebounding cemented their lead, as they began
to control the pace of the contest and earned a 14-point lead.

Morgan was able to relight the fire once again
down the stretch however, making his ninth three to usher London back into the
game. Sloppy defence and unnecessary fouls hurt the Eagles and just like that,
the game was tied.

Ironically, Morgan then missed a chance to
take the lead from the stripe, but replied instantly with an audacious trey to put
his team in front in the closing moments of regulation.

Newcastle lost their primary offensive spark,
when Tajh Green fouled out in the final minute and with the game on the line, London’s
Grantham missed a turnaround jumper to ensure this one extended into overtime.

In an unfortunate turn of events, London also
lost their lead scorer in the opening moments of OT, as his earlier disciplinary
issues came back to bite him.

The physical play resumed and free-throws became
the deciding factor for most of the extra period, with both teams deep into foul
trouble.

Mo Soluade and Phillip sunk a pair of daggers into a tired Newcastle team in the final minute. Newcastle then applied a well-executed press, but it simply wasn’t enough to overcome the relentless Lions who extended their perfect record to 8-0.

Player of the Game:

Tonight’s Player of the Game was the undeniable Matt Morgan, who showed up when it mattered and finished the game with 30 points, made nine triples and shot 66% from the field.