McGill buzzer beater gives Raiders commanding lead

Ricky McGill sunk a buzzer beating 3 pointer to give the Plymouth Raiders a 12 point lead over the London Lions in the BBL playoff semi-finals.

The Raiders closed out a fantastic performance over the Lions to win 92-80 having led since the end of the first quarter.

Paul James, head coach of the Raiders, reflected on the win, saying: “It gives us confidence. We know we can beat them in a one-off game and we have got to go and do it all again on Thursday. We are not delusional, we know London are a very good team, they are very explosive.”

It was an erratic start with both teams turning the ball over and missing shots, with the first field goal coming 2 minutes and 37 seconds into the game.

The first quarter was closely contested, ending at 18-16 in favour of the Raiders, who went on to control the game.

The Lions would not go away though, going into the fourth quarter only 3 points down. The two teams traded buckets into the final 23 seconds with the score sat at 87-80 to the Raiders.

DeAndre Liggins fouled off the inbound, sending Ricky McGill to the free throw line where he made both attempts. Justin Robinson then airballed a stepback three on the Lions’ final possession.

Ricky McGill rebounded the ball with just under 4 seconds on the clock dribbling over half court and shooting a running three pointer from the logo, beating the buzzer and compounding a disastrous ending for the Lions.

Ricky McGill led the charge for the Raiders, scoring 28 points, adding 7 rebounds, 7 assists and 3 steals. Forward Ashley Hamilton helped with a 23 point, 11 rebound double double.

For the Lions, DeAndre Liggins filled the stat sheet, ending with a 16 point, 10 rebound, 12 assist triple double alongside 4 steals and 2 blocks, despite shooting just 3 of 14 from the field.

The Lions lost the rebounding battle on the night 51-35, an area they will have to improve if they are to come back in the second leg. They also struggled behind the three point line, making just 24% of their shots, down from their 38% average in the quarter-finals.

The London Lions and Plymouth Raiders will face off for the second leg of their BBL playoff semi-final at 7:30pm on Thursday.

(Cover Image: London Lions)

Adam Perry - 12/05/2021