London Lions return to domestic action on Friday night with little time to dwell on their opening EuroCup defeat. Leicester Riders visit the Copper Box Arena for a 7.30pm tip-off in the SLB Championship, just two nights after the Lions’ 74-71 loss away to Šiauliai Basketball.[1][2][3]
Unbeaten domestic record on the line
London’s European opener turned on a late swing. The Lions recovered from an early double-digit deficit and moved 63-61 ahead with fewer than six minutes remaining, only for Šiauliai to answer with a decisive 9-0 run. Joel Scott led London with 17 points, while Tarik Phillip’s three-point attempt to force overtime missed at the buzzer.[2]
That makes Friday less about revisiting Lithuania and more about how quickly Tautvydas Sabonis’ side can reset. London are 4-0 in the SLB after beating Liverpool Basketball 78-49 at the Copper Box on Sunday. They forced 27 turnovers in that win, with Thomas Kennedy scoring 15 points and Keenan Evans adding 11 points, four assists and four steals.[5]
The contrast between those games gives the Lions a clear task: reproduce the defensive pressure that has underpinned their domestic start while managing a short turnaround from European travel. Their response should offer an early indication of how well a deeper two-competition schedule can be handled.
Riders seek a response of their own
Leicester also arrive looking to recover from defeat. Rob Paternostro’s new-look Riders lost 108-94 at Cheshire Phoenix after trailing 83-60 through three quarters, although they finished strongly by winning the fourth 34-25. Thomas Hurley led Leicester with 23 points, while Taryn Todd scored 15 and Deante Johnson Jr added 14.[6]
The Riders’ official preview describes the trip as another chance for a squad containing plenty of new faces to develop its chemistry. It highlights Leicester’s need to protect the ball, defend sharply and use its depth against one of the league’s biggest names.[4] Those priorities become especially important against a London team that punished Liverpool’s mistakes five days earlier.
For London, the headline question is recovery. The Lions had to chase the game in Šiauliai, briefly completed their comeback and then absorbed a late setback. Friday presents an immediate opportunity to restore momentum without allowing fatigue or frustration to loosen the standards behind their unbeaten league opening.
Leicester, meanwhile, can test whether London’s European workload creates an opening. Their 34-point final quarter at Cheshire was encouraging, but a better start will be essential at the Copper Box. The fixture therefore brings together two teams seeking a response, albeit from very different early-season positions: London protecting a perfect domestic record and Leicester trying to turn a spirited finish into a more complete performance.
Game details: London Lions v Leicester Riders, Friday 2 October 2026, 7.30pm, Copper Box Arena.[1][4]
Sources
[1] London Lions v Leicester Riders – SLB | Copper Box Arena
[2] Siauliai shows resilience to drop London | EuroCup
[3] Siauliai Basketball vs London Lions | EuroCup Game Center
[4] Match Preview: Riders Head to London to Face the Lions
[5] London Lions defeat Liverpool 78-49 to move to 4-0 in SLB