Posted on by Adam Perry

The London Lions clinched their first win of the season beating the Sheffield Sharks 88-73 to keep their BBL Cup hopes alive at the Copper Box on Friday night. 

The Lions were led by the sharpshooting DeAndre Liggins who made 11 out of 18 of his shots whilst playing all 40 minutes in a must-win game.

Lions commentator and ex-player Tosin Oyelese, 29, spoke to Raven about DeAndre Liggins’ performance, saying: “Liggins is able to take over a game when he wants, he can shoot, he can distribute the ball to his teammates and is able to capitalise on the attention he draws.”

The Lions finished the game with five players scoring over 10 points as the Sharks struggled to keep up, especially in the first half where the Lions outscored them 55-36.

The Sharks were able to stay in the game, outscoring the Lions 27-17 in the third quarter thanks to Antwon Lillard and Bennet Koch’s ability to draw fouls and get to the free throw line.

The Lions committed 28 fouls to the Shark’s 19, continuing their fouling issues which have troubled them this season.

Oyelese spoke about the importance of the game, saying: “The Lions had a point to prove. If they would have lost they would have almost definitely been eliminated from the BBL Cup.”

This game marked the third time these teams faced off in three weeks with tension building between the players on and off the court with the Lions losing the first two meetings before Friday’s win.

The Lions used the rivalry to create a home court atmosphere, willing their teammates on from the bench to add extra energy to the game.

Oyelese speaking about the Lions bench said: “They are a raucous bunch. In the absence of fans, they raised the roof and were instrumental to the result.”

The Lions continue their Cup journey against the Leicester Raiders on Monday night at the Morningside Arena in Leicester at 5 pm.