by Vlad Ionasc
Cheshire Phoenix will take on the London Lions for the first time this season on Wednesday evening (7:30 pm).
GAME DETAILS
Date: Wednesday, February 12th, 2020
Tip-off: 7:30 pm
Competition: BBL Championship
Where: Copper Box Arena
How to watch: BBL’s official YouTube channel
LIONS SCOUTING REPORT
The Lions are tied with the Glasgow Rocks for the best record in the regular season (7-3).
Despite their excellent start to the regular season, in which they picked up seven wins in their first eight games, the Lions come into Wednesday’s fixture on a two-game losing streak.
The Lions are undefeated in all competitions at the Copper Box Arena (8-0 record).
Vince Macaulay’s men suffered a shock 82-92 defeat in the Quarter-Final stage of the BBL Trophy against NBL side Solent Kestrels.
The Londoners have won four of the last five meetings between the two clubs.
The Lions shoot the rock at a high clip, they’re averaging 53.7 percent on two-point attempts and 34.6 percent from three-point territory.
KEY PLAYERS
London Lions: Ovie Soko – The former Love Island star joined the Lions in December and has been tremendous for the Londoners ever since. He has played a pivotal role in London’s incredible start in the BBL Championship. Soko ranks second in the league in scoring, with 21.9 points-per-game. He is also averaging a remarkable 8.6 rebounds-per-game. The British forward draws the most fouls in the league (7.1 per game) as a result of his darting drives into the paint.
Cheshire Phoenix: Parker Jackson-Cartwright – Phoenix’s floor-general found himself in foul trouble for the majority of the game against the Newcastle Eagles and thus wasn’t able to contribute as much as he would’ve liked to. He’ll be determined to rectify his mistakes and put on a show for those in attendance at the Copper Box Arena on Wednesday night. His direct opponent, Justin Robinson, is a fantastic player and a two-time BBL MVP, however, Jackson-Cartwright has proven time and time again that he can take on any guard in the league. The American leads the Nix in points, steals, and assists.
COACH’S CORNER
Ben Thomas: “We’re expecting a really tough game against London on Wednesday night, they have some excellent individual players, Justin Robinson, Brandon Peel and of course Ovie Soko.
“They will be looking to bounce back after two consecutive league defeats but we also want to make sure we bounce back from our semi-final first leg loss on Sunday.
“It’s a huge week for us, the possibility to create some separation from the teams below and close the gap on those teams above us in the league table is something we have to capitalize on!”
NEXT HOME GAME
The Nix will return to the ESPV on the 16th of February when they’ll entertain the Glasgow Rocks in the BBL Championship. Secure your TICKETS now!
GO PHOENIX! BRING THE NOISE!