BBL Week 14 Headlines: Lions fight past Giants, Allen impresses on debut

Image credit: British Basketball League

The latest round of British Basketball League action included another overtime thriller, while there was an unforgettable debut and a season-high in points.

Here’s how the action unfolded:

Lions escape Giants test

London Lions improved to 19-3 after coming through an overtime thriller at home to Manchester Giants, winning 99-91. The visitors had led by 14 points, but were unable to close out the game with Jordan Taylor forcing an extra period with an improbable late triple, while Matt Morgan finished with 31 points and 11 rebounds.

Two days earlier, London had also seen off Cheshire Phoenix in a 102-95 victory behind another big scoring display from Morgan with 28 points as they used a 37-18 fourth to help wipe out another double-digit deficit. Aaryn Rai had 32 in the loss.

Riders spurred on by Allen

It was a league debut to remember for Teddy Allen after the Canadian netted 32 points to lead his new Leicester Riders side past Caledonia Gladiators, 96-90. The Riders put together a big finish having trailed by as many as 13 points with the visitors led by 22 points and seven assists from Ian Dubose.

McGill guides Eagles into top four

Rickey McGill poured in 37 points to lead Newcastle Eagles to an impressive 91-113 triumph away at Cheshire. There was further support from Tahj Green’s big double-double of 19 points and 17 rebounds with Newcastle scoring 67 points in the second half and knocking down 25 of 29 free throws.

Meanwhile, the week’s action had started with Manchester cruising to a 23-point home win over Bristol after racing out to an early 16-point lead. Evan Walshe top scored with 22 points in the 103-80 success.

Caledonia bounced back from their loss in Leicester to beat Surrey Scorchers 72-80 behind a balanced offence as four players hit double figures to get them to 12 wins in second place.

Results: Giants 103-80 Flyers; Lions 102-95 Phoenix; Riders 96-90 Gladiators; Scorchers 72-80 Gladiators; Lions 99-91 (OT) Giants; Phoenix 91-113 Eagles

Standings: Lions 19-3; Gladiators 12-6; Phoenix 12-7; Eagles 10-9; Flyers 10-10; Sharks 9-8; Riders 8-10; Scorchers, Giants 6-13; Patriots 2-15

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