Friday 26th September saw London Lions play their
first game of the season against Surrey United at Surrey Sports Park. Surrey
United didn’t make the playoffs last year so were looking to improve on their
finish last season. They started with former Lion Kramer Knutson who was a
determined character throughout the game. There was bad news for Lions prior to
the game as new signing Zaire Taylor who was last year’s league MVP was unable
to play as he was back in the states with visa problems.
Lions started the
game brightly taking a 7 – 3 lead with some good Basketball from another new
signing Mark Stibbins. Stibbins certainly made a good impression with 27 points
and 12 rebounds leading both boards for the Lions. Drew Sullivan had a quiet
game offensively but defensively was impressive keeping Surrey livewire Trevor
Setty quiet when he was marking him.
Lions looked in control of the game throughout against a
hard working Surrey side. Guard Rod Brown was given a tough test against a
physical opposition. You did sense the first half although the Lions were
leading by 10 points there could go up a gear.
Stibbins was too much for the Surrey defence as everything
he was trying seem to be working for him and the Lions. The Surrey Sports Park
crammed in 550 fans for this game and they were making a lot of noise trying to
get their team back into it. Lions were far too strong and at the end of the
game they ended with 60 points in the paint alone. Ian Salter was impressive
when he was on the court.
Lions finished the game with a 89 – 73 win with Stibbins
stealing the show on his league debut. I spoke to Drew Sullivan after the game
who was disappointed with his contribution offensively but done a good job on
Setty defensively.
Friday 3rd October is Lions first home game so
expecting a good atmosphere at the Copper Box.
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