Lions through to BBL Playoff Final

The London Lions overturned a 12-point first leg deficit, beating the Plymouth Raiders 100-80 to advance to the BBL Playoff Final.

Justin Robinson and the Lions came out roaring with a 33-point first quarter, with Robinson scoring 17 points.

Vince Macaulay, head coach of the London Lions, said: “Justin Robinson did what he has done for so many years – which is lead the team. He did what we needed in those first three quarters. If he had not have done that, I do not think we are anywhere near where we are right now.”

“He is a man, he represents London with class, he represents the BBL with class and you could just see that he gave everything, so we owe it to him to make sure we deliver” Macaulay continued.

After an explosive first quarter, the game slowed down in the second, with the Lions up 45-42 going into the half but they trailed 9 points on aggregate.

It was a turbulent third quarter for the Lions with Orlando Parker fouling out halfway through and Justin Robinson picking up an ankle injury with 45 seconds left to play, but they led 73-63 by the end, just 2 points down on aggregate.

The Lions hit 3 threes early in the fourth quarter to go up on aggregate and despite a fight back by the Raiders, they continued to pull away throughout

DeAndre Liggins hit a deep three with 1:10 left to play to secure the win and send the Lions through with an 8 point aggregate win.

Key for the Lions was rediscovering their three-point touch, making 15 of their 33 three pointers and getting back into a rhythm ahead of the final.

Unfortunately for the Lions, Vince Macaulay said after the game that it was “very unlikely” that Robinson would be able to play following his injury.

The London Lions will go on to play the Newcastle Eagles in the BBL Playoff final on Sunday.

(Cover Image: )

Adam Perry - 13/05/2021