London Lions work hard for latest BBL win at Cheshire

In a close-fought contest in Ellesmere Port, Matt Morgan exploded for 33 points on 10/15 shooting along with eight rebounds as the Lions shot just under 50 per cent to improve to 5-0.

Buoyed by a vocal home audience, the Phoenix showed no fear and quick scores inside the opening two minutes gave them an early 6-2 lead.

Despite five quick points from Matt Morgan, the Phoenix led 15-12 with more than four minutes left in the first quarter.

But the introduction of Donte Grantham and Luke Nelson into the London line-up found some success as the former drove straight down the hoop for an uncontested two-hand dunk.

Back-to-back triples from EJ Stephens and Ethan Chargois gave Phoenix a 24-16 lead at the first break, but the first two minutes of the second saw London at their destructive best.

The off-ball movement was fast and furious, with solid execution, and a corner three from Grantham gave last season’s treble winners a 27-26 lead.

Cheshire kept going at London’s talented roster and last season’s National League Division One MVP Aaryn Rai restored their lead at 34-32 with 4:54 remaining in the half.

The lead changed hands before half-time, but a three from the wing from Skyler White left Phoenix 43-41 up.

It was a similar story in the second half, with the biggest lead being just three points for either side until Lions made their move as back-to-back triples from GB stars Mo Soluade and Nelson.

That put them 67-61 up and forced Phoenix coach Ben Thomas into a timeout with 1:22 left in the third.

The hosts refused to go away and Stephens drilled a three from the wing from Jack Hudson’s feed to make it a three-point game heading into the final quarter.

Then, five quick points from Cam Christon put Phoenix in front and a bucket from Rai forced Lions into a timeout, trailing 74-71 with 6:59 left.

Matt Morgan stepped up for when Lions needed it most with seven points and an assist for Grantham in the final three minutes to ultimately steer the visitors to victory, as he finished perfect inside the perimeter (6/6) and at the stripe (9/9) to earn MVP honours.

Lions host Manchester Giants at the Copper Box Arena on Sunday (4.30pm).