The Lions have sealed their spot in this year's BBL Trophy Finals after taking down the Bristol Flyers, holding off in a tight game at home and coming away with the narrow victory, 85-81.
WE'RE GOING TO THE TROPHY FINAL! 🦁 pic.twitter.com/6cOvDXCejF
— London Lions (@LondonLions) March 9, 2022
London already had the advantage coming into the game with a 20-point lead after the first leg away in Bristol. The Flyers kept it close with Trejon Jacob leading the way. He eventually finished with 28 points on 7-10 shooting from 3-point range. Despite his huge performance, it wasn't enough to overcome the deficit. Dirk Williams led the way for the Lions with 25 points along with 3 rebounds and a couple of steals.
📽️ @LondonLions quick in transition as @Dirkwilliams11 gets going early.
— British Basketball League (@BBLofficial) March 9, 2022
📺: https://t.co/5Z3hL32KCC
📊: https://t.co/gqHHFi29M7#BritishBasketball pic.twitter.com/1HhR6QMgtF
The game also saw the first career bucket for 20-year old London Lions II's player, Bradley Kaboza. Kaboza currently averages 16.4PPG playing in NBL DI, the UK's second-tier of professional basketball. His stats show that he's very able to get a bucket and hopefully for him, this first bucket in the Copper Box will be one of many in his professional career.
🎙️ "OK young buck, I like it!" @azania13 on the steal and score from Bradley Kaboza for @LondonLions.
— British Basketball League (@BBLofficial) March 9, 2022
📺: https://t.co/5Z3hL32KCC
📊: https://t.co/gqHHFi29M7#BritishBasketball pic.twitter.com/H7uStKmieU
A return to the finals gives the Lions the chance to go back-to-back in the Trophy competition, having already won it last year against the now Plymouth City Patriots.
The finals are set for the 20th of March and will be held in Glasgow at the Emirates Arena, home to the Glasgow Rocks.