Missed Chances Cost Lions in EuroCup Defeat to Türk Telekom

London, UK – Wednesday, 29 October 2025

The London Lions fell 89–77 to Türk Telekom Ankara at the Copper Box Arena, unable to recover from a decisive third-quarter surge and costly free-throw misses in EuroCup Group B play.

The Lions began well, pushing the tempo and defending aggressively inside to edge ahead 16–14 after the opening quarter. Kameron McGusty found rhythm early from mid-range, while Aaryn Rai, making his first EuroCup start, brought physicality on the boards. Tarik Phillip added energy off the bench, attacking downhill and keeping the offense moving.

London’s control faded in the second period as Telekom found their rhythm through Kyle Allman, who finished with 22 points and six assists. A 9–2 run from the visitors swung momentum, and despite a late three from Phillip, the Lions trailed 45–42 at halftime.

The third quarter proved decisive. Joel Scott briefly reignited London’s push with a put-back dunk and a corner three, but Telekom responded with discipline and interior power through Kyle Alexander, who posted 15 points and 10 rebounds. London were outscored 27–18 in the frame and entered the fourth chasing a double-digit deficit.

Phillip and McGusty sparked a final run early in the fourth, cutting the gap to eight, but the Lions’ shooting struggles from the line stalled their comeback. London finished 12-of-21 (57%) on free throws, while Telekom hit 23-of-31 (74%) and controlled the glass.

Head Coach Tautvydas Sabonis said post-game that effort wasn’t the issue — pride and composure were.
“I want to thank the fans for coming, it was a bigger crowd and we really felt it,” he said. “But we weren’t ready for the physicality, the rebounding, or taking care of the ball. The ball is energy, the ball is love. If we give it up too many times, we don’t even give ourselves a chance to score or rebound.”

Joel Scott, who finished with 16 points, echoed that frustration.
“They just outrebounded us,” he said. “We didn’t box out like we needed to. It’s something we have to take pride in — hitting our guys, keeping them off the boards, all five of us. We’ve got to take pride and do it better next time.”

The loss drops the Lions to 2–3 in Group B, while Türk Telekom improve to 3–2. McGusty added 16 points, Phillip 10, and Rai 8 with 9 rebounds. The Lions now turn back to domestic action, hosting the Leicester Riders at the Copper Box on Sunday.

Final Score: Türk Telekom Ankara 89, London Lions 77
Sources: London Lions post-game interviews; EuroCup media; Crano Sports live coverage