London Lions take 2026 SLB Trophy title

By Sam Neter on February 1, 2026

London Lions claimed their first piece of silverware on the season with 74-68 over defending champions Newcastle Eagles to take the 2026 SLB Trophy Final on Sunday afternoon at the Utilita Arena Birmingham.

It is the third time in less than a month the two teams have matched up, and the result was the same on each occasion with Lions securing the victory.

Deane Williams was named MVP, finishing with eight points, seven rebounds and five assists.

“I just try to make sure everyone is level-headed and doing the right thing,” Williams said.

“Sometimes it pays off, and today was one of those days.”

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Chaundee Brown Jr top scored with 15 points in a balanced offensive effort as the second quarter proved to be the difference.

“This is exactly what we talk about – next man mentality,” Lions Head Coach Tautvydas Sabonis said postgame.

“No one is bigger than the team. We just do what the team needs in every moment.”

Box score.

Despite a spirited start from the Eagles, a 13-0 run bridging the first and second quarters gave London the cushion they were after and they never looked back, leading by as many as 21 on their way to victory.

A momentary run saw Eagles pull it back to within eight heading in the final period, but back-to-back baskets from Aaryn Rai kept them at bay.

Newcastle threatened another late twist as they reduced the gap to just six points, before spurning a huge opportunity to make it a four-point game. London responded, as Shavar Reynolds delivered the dagger with a mid-range pullup, and then iced the game at the line.

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