Lions maul Surrey

London Lions 102-78 Surrey United

London Lions 102 (30,61,82) (Marks 20, Sturt 16, Brown 11)

Surrey United 78 (22,39,51) (Freer 20, Kucinskas 19, Tate 12)

By Emdad Rahman

British Basketball League: A comprehensive 102-78 win over Surrey United sees the London Lions strengthen their hold on fifth spot.

Prior to the game Lions centre Adrien Sturt said: "Our main challenge for this weekend, although Surrey have added players making them better, is on us as a unit playing our game, our way and playing hard for 40 minutes, as a team."

And play as a unit they did. In a scintillating first half display Chez Marks' 20 points was the difference as the Lions built up a healthy lead. He was matched on points by Surrey's Nick Freer. 

The Lions were swift as a three from Marks helped boost an 8-6 lead into a 22-11 advantage. 

Blayne Freckleton's three took the score to 25-13 for the hosts before Julius Joseph stretched the lead to 27-14. Surrey rallied but right on the buzzer a three from Rob Brown gave the Lions a 30-22 advantage. 

The second quarter saw the Lions score a further 31 points. Surrey hit back with 17 but the home team went into the half time break with a 61-39 advantage over the visitors. 

The third quarter started with a three from Joseph to propel the lead to 78-44.

Surrey battled hard but the Lions finished off their opponents with a decisive finale to send their supporters home happy.