LONDON Lions Bascketball Club put on a brave performance in front of the Sky cameras last night but still ended up going down to a narrow 73-68 home defeat against Leicester Riders.

An impressive crowd of more than 1,200 witnessed a thrilling game in which Joel Barkers and Adrien Sturt each chipped in with 15 points for the Lions.

“I was proud of everyone in our organisation,” said Lions boss Vince Macaulay.

“We are just four months old in London and gave a glimpse of what watching Lions basketball is going to be like.

“We put in a shift while missing the best English player in the country, Orlan Jackman, as well as Duane James and Laurent Irish.

“We had our chance to win the game but that’s fine we will continue to work hard.”

The Lions now face a crunch battle against play-off rivals Cheshire Phoenix on Friday at Crystal Palace (7.30pm).

Follow us on Twitter @NewsShopperSprt