Bourg-en-Bresse 86-85 London Lions
The London Lions endured another agonising EuroCup defeat on Wednesday night, falling 86-85 to JL Bourg-en-Bresse after Assemian Moulare’s three-pointer with half a second remaining completed a stunning comeback for the French side.
It marked London’s third consecutive EuroCup loss decided by a single point, and arguably the most painful. The Lions had controlled the second half, built an eight-point lead with under a minute to play, and appeared destined for a statement road victory before watching it slip away in the cruellest fashion.
Ethan Price delivered a career-best performance, pouring in 21 points on an efficient night that showcased his scoring versatility. Shavar Reynolds Jr. orchestrated the offence brilliantly, recording 14 points and 10 assists in a composed display, while Tarik Phillip added 17 points, including clutch three-pointers that seemed to have secured the win.
Bourg were paced by Both Gach’s 19 points, with Moulare finishing on 17 including the game-winner. Darius McGhee proved decisive down the stretch, adding 17 points and nine assists while engineering the frantic final minute that turned the contest on its head.
The opening quarter belonged to the hosts, who raced to a 9-2 advantage through McGhee’s early creativity and consistent trips to the free-throw line. Price kept the Lions afloat with seven early points, and Reynolds steadied the ship with his midrange game as London trimmed the gap to 22-19.
Physicality defined the second period as both sides battled through heavy whistle calls and bonus situations. Bourg capitalised on foul trouble to extend their lead, and despite flashes of rhythm from Deane Williams and improved ball movement, the Lions trailed 44-34 at halftime.
Then came the turnaround.
London exploded out of the locker room with intent, launching a 10-2 run that shifted the entire complexion of the game. Reynolds pulled the strings, Price attacked with confidence, and Phillip ignited the momentum with a snatch-back three that brought the Lions within a single point.
Karolis Lukošiūnas drilled a deep triple to give London their first lead since the opening minutes, and the visitors never looked back. A 16-point quarter swing was capped by Williams burying a buzzer-beating three to send the Lions into the fourth leading 60-54.
London carried that energy into the final period, matching Bourg shot for shot. Phillip and Lukošiūnas knocked down timely triples, Williams punished mismatches inside, and Price converted free throws under pressure. With 58.8 seconds on the clock, the Lions held an 85-77 cushion and appeared to have sealed it.
What followed will haunt them.
McGhee struck a quick three. Bourg’s pressure forced turnovers. A missed free throw gave the hosts life. McGhee then buried another three before stealing the inbounds and drawing a foul on a three-point attempt, trimming the deficit to two with 35 seconds left.
After London misfired on their next possession, McGhee drove coast-to-coast and found Moulare wide open on the wing. The forward calmly rose and drained the game-winner as time expired, sending the home crowd into delirium and leaving the Lions stunned.
The defeat leaves London out of playoff contention but showed glimpses of what they’re capable of when firing on all cylinders. Their second-half performance was among their best of the EuroCup campaign, but the inability to close out tight games remains a haunting pattern.
London return to domestic action on Saturday evening when they travel to face Surrey 89ers at 6:00 PM, looking to refocus and bounce back from yet another heartbreaking European exit.
Final Score: JL Bourg-en-Bresse 86-85 London Lions
Crano Sports 
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