SLB Championship: Lions hold Eagles to 50 in controlled 76–50 win at Vertu Arena

London Lions produced a disciplined defensive display at Vertu Arena on Friday night, beating Newcastle Eagles 76–50 after taking control early and steadily stretching the margin across the middle quarters.

The Lions set the tone in the opening period, limiting Newcastle to 10 points and building an 18–10 lead. The cushion grew before half-time (41–26) and London effectively ended the contest with a decisive third quarter, outscoring the Eagles 22–11 to move ahead 63–37. Newcastle matched London 13–13 in the fourth, but could not close the overall gap walking away with a loss.

London’s efficiency was reflected in the team numbers: 28-of-58 (48%) from the floor and 21-of-37 (56%) on twos, while also controlling the glass 49–26 and finishing with 19 assists to Newcastles 9. Newcastle shot 17-of-58 (29%), including 3-of-23 (13%) from three, and committed 11 turnovers against London’s pressure.

Shavar Reynolds Jr led London with 15 points and added 4 assists (5–10 FG, 4–4 FT), while Ciaran Sandy delivered a strong all-round line of 14 points and 7 rebounds (5–8 FG). Ethan Price gave the Lions a punch in limited minutes, scoring 12 points in 15:45 playing time, going 5–6 FG and a perfect 5–5 on two-pointers.

For Newcastle, Terrell Burden Jr was the primary scorer with 15 points (6–13 FG), but London’s rotations and rebounding limited second chances and perimeter rhythm. Deion Hammond and Cole Long scored 8 points apiece, though the Eagles’ combined three-point shooting (3 made threes as a team) never allowed them to generate a sustained run.

Box Score & Splits

• Final: Newcastle Eagles 50–76 London Lions
• By period: Q1 10–18, Q2 16–23, Q3 11–22, Q4 13–13

• Leaders – Newcastle:

• Terrell Burden Jr: 15 PTS, 3 REB, 2 STL (6–13 FG, 0–3 3PT, 3–4 FT)

• Deion Hammond: 8 PTS (2–9 FG, 0–4 3PT, 4–4 FT)

• Cole Long: 8 PTS, 5 REB (3–9 FG, 1–4 3PT)

• Leaders – London:

• Shavar Reynolds Jr: 15 PTS, 4 AST (5–10 FG, 1–1 3PT, 4–4 FT)

• Ciaran Sandy: 14 PTS, 7 REB (5–8 FG, 2–4 3PT)

• Ethan Price: 12 PTS, 6 REB (5–6 FG, 2–2 FT)