Preview: London Lions v Bristol Flyers

From BBL.org.uk

The BBL Championship has an element of the ‘survival of the fittest’ to it this season, according to London Lions coach Vince Macaulay.

Lions have been one of a number of teams, including Friday’s opponents, Bristol Flyers, who have had to contend with injures to key personnel this term.

After late arrivals disrupted their start to the season, Lions lost leader Rod Brown to injury and have also missed former BBL MVPs Zaire Taylor and Drew Sullivan.

Flyers meanwhile were robbed of star guard Doug Herring when he suffered a season-ending injury in November.

But both teams head into the weekend off the back of important wins as Flyers ended a four-game slide against Surrey United while Lions beat Plymouth Raiders on Sunday.

“The BBL has a punishing schedule so it is going to be a constant adjustment,” said Macaulay.

“We are going to add things every week, we are going to get better every week, not just stay as we are.

“Right now the focus is great and the result was evident on Sunday.”

That level of focus will be required once more on Friday.

Macaulay’s men have triumphed against Andreas Kapoulas’ Flyers in each of their two meetings this season, but the Lions play-caller has been impressed by their performances.

“They are one of the teams in the league that play with lots of confidence, they play freely,” he said.

“I like the way they play, they are very organised, very structured and everybody knows their roles in the team.

“Earlier in the season they were anchored by Herring, now Alif Bland is trying to carry the load for them while they blend in the new point guard.

“Their main strength is their organisation and their teamwork, anybody can make a bucket form anywhere in that team.”

He added: “By the end of the season, I think every team will have gone through that process of missing some guys.

“It is a constant process and the teams that stay together the longest, have the best shot.”

Last time they met:

London Lions 85 Bristol Flyers 73 (BBL Trophy, Copper Box Arena, 14/01/2015)

What Flyers say:

Flyers forward Alif Bland: “London are a fast-paced team who like to push the ball and play in transition, which would make them a worthy opponent for any team. In saying that, I think that we could have a good chance against them.”

For information about tickets visit www.londonlionsbasketball.com.