Bristol Flyers suffered a frustrating comeback defeat against the 2018/19 league champions London Lions in the BBL Championship.
After leading by as many as 15 points in the third quarter, Coach Andreas Kapoulas’ men were held scoreless for the nearly four straight minutes as the Lions clawed their way back through a 22-point performance from Love Island star Ovie Soko.
A high-flying start saw Bristol soar into an early nine point lead, as Lewis Champion hit a triple to force Vince Maccaulay to burn an early timeout.
Raphell Thomas-Edwards briefly pushed the lead over double figures from downtown, going 100% from the field with an efficient 10-point haul, as Bristol led 24-30 after the first ten minutes.
Levi Bradley scored seven of his 18 points in the second, as Flyers held off a Lions comeback to remain ahead by seven at the end of the first half.
Fred Thomas scored on back to back possessions to give the Flyers their biggest lead of the game, before Coack Kapoulas’ side were held scoreless for the next three and a half minutes.
The teams exchanged the lead a number of times before Brandon Peel hit a dagger three for the hosts, which was quickly followed by a deep two to put the game out of reach.
TURNING POINT
With the home-side trailing by nine points as the final period commenced, Lions suddenly began to bounce back, going on a 12-0 run within the first four minutes of the quarter to put them right back into the game.
Backed by leading scorers Soko, Jordan Whelan and Justin Robinson, who combined for 57 points - Lions managed to pick up their third league win of the season to move top of the league table.
PLAYER OF THE GAME
Fred Thomas led the way for Flyers with 19 points and 11 rebounds, but it wasn’t enough to prevent the Flyers’ third league defeat of the season.
WHAT COACH SAID
"We played a very good game for three quarters, but we weren't able to close it out.
"There were a few things that we're upset about, but we had opportunities to take control in the fourth quarter and win on the road - it would have been a big win for us.
"It’s a frustrating loss, especially with how we played through the first three quarters, but now we need to refocus and get ourselves ready for our cup semi-final on Saturday.”
WHO’S NEXT?
Flyers have a two-point lead to protect in the second leg of the BBL Cup semi-final against London City Royals on Saturday, December 21st at the SGS College Arena (7.30pm).
