London Lions — Cheshire Phoenix: 91:81, BBL

London Lions beat Chester Phoenix 91 to 81 on Wednesday evening in the British Basketball League. The hosts kept their place at the top of the table while the visitors dropped further behind in second. The result came after both sides had played 32 games already this season.

London came into the fixture having won three of their last four games, including an 84-76 victory over Newcastle Eagles on Tuesday. Chester had lost their previous match 92-101 to Bristol Flyers. By then the gap between them in the standings was already clear—six wins separate the two teams.

And here's the thing, we had called for a home win before kick-off with 54 per cent confidence. That prediction came true. The Lions have been solid at home all season and Chester struggled away from their own court, losses away from home adding up to twelve so far.

To be fair, the margin of ten points tells only part of the story. London controlled the tempo and did not let Chester settle into their rhythm. The visitors had moments but could not string together enough runs to stay close. It was a game the hosts had won inside thirty minutes, if you look at the early exchanges.

The result leaves London Lions six points clear at the summit with twenty-six wins from thirty-two matches. Chester Phoenix sit in second place with twenty victories but twelve defeats. They are running out of games now, and every loss matters more as the season closes.