London Lions suffered double overtime heartbreak against Paris Basketball in front of a record crowd at the Copper Box Arena.
In what turned out to be one of the most exciting games of the season, an incredible 6,152 fans saw Lions edged out 106-102 after a thrilling encounter.
Both teams headed into the clash with perfect 3-0 records in this season's competition, but it was Paris who prevailed to hand London their first setback in Europe this season.
Following a competitive first half, the Lions turned up the heat to take a 66-56 lead into the last 10 minutes of regular time.
However, the French visitors erased that fourth-quarter deficit and found themselves 84-81 up with six seconds remaining on the clock.
In spectacular fashion, with 0.2 seconds remaining in regulation, London’s Sam Dekker stunned the crowd with a huge three-point shot to force the game into the first period of overtime.
The shot that took us to overtime 🔥@dekker #WeAreLondon #RoadToGreatness pic.twitter.com/NXX8gmkRmj
— London Lions (@LondonLions) October 24, 2023
After a late Gabe Olaseni offensive rebound and putback, a second period of overtime was required, but Paris would eventually pounce on the Lions' exhaustion, going on a 9-0 run in the second extra five minutes to ultimately run out as winners.
The Lions return to British Basketball League action on Friday when they take on the Newcastle Eagles, looking to improve upon their perfect 10-0 record.
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