London Lions put last Friday’s fourth quarter collapse behind them to record an 80-72 victory over Worcester Wolves at the Copper Box Arena.
The Lions led for virtually the entire game as they made an immediate return to winning ways, and move up to fifth in the BBL Championship with a 10-9 record.
Kai Williams netted a team-high 18 points, while Nick Lewis contributed an all-round effort of 17 points, six rebounds and seven assists and Demond Watt added a double-double of 15 points and 10 boards.
The home side made a strong start with 12 straight points helping to open up an early 20-7 cushion – which would be the largest lead of the game.
Worcester rallied with a 14-2 close to the opening period and took the lead in the second. However, they were ahead for the last time at 41-39 as the Lions finished the half with the final four points to move back in front and they never looked back.
Despite maintaining control in the second half, the Lions were never completely comfortable until they began to pull away in the fourth to lead 75-68 with under four minutes remaining.
And, from there on, London made sure of the result, closing out the win from the free throw line.
The visitors were without captain Pavol Losonksy for their trip to the capital, resulting in Jay Couisnard and Perris Blackwell logging heavy minutes with both players posting double-doubles in their 40-minute efforts.
Worcester had won the previous league meeting between the two earlier in the season, but the defeat levels the head-to-head and sees Paul James’ side remain in third, though they drop to a 15-9 mark.
BBL
