Lions end silverware drought with emphatic Cup Final win

The first piece of silverware for the 2018-19 BBL season was decided on Sunday in front of another great crowd at Arena Birmingham.

Vince Macaulay repeated his feat of 11 years ago by leading the Lions to the Cup title. Back then as Milton Keynes, the Lions defeated Newcastle in 2008 and ended their trophy drought with a 68-54 success over Radisson RED Glasgow Rocks at Arena Birmingham.

Brandon Peel shone in the Cup Final victory with 21 points, 14 rebounds and three assists to take the MVP honours. Kervin Bristol excelled on the defensive end and had 12 points, nine rebounds as well as three blocks, while Ladarius Tabb posted a double-double and Justin Robinson had 13-7-7.

"This is arguably the greatest moment of my career so far as a Lion," said Peel. "I didn't come from a very winning background, so this means everything to me right now."

The Rocks were unbeaten in January leading into Sunday's Final, but came up short against the Lions after being held to just points. Glasgow are now 0-6 in BBL Cup Finals and have lost 10 straight Finals since their last and only title came in the 2003 Play-Offs.

Glasgow had made a statement on Friday night with a dominant 101-81 victory in the league against Leicester Riders behind 20 points from Ali Fraser, while Plymouth Raiders were equally convincing as they eased past DBL Sharks Sheffield in a 66-83 win.

Meanwhile, Cheshire Phoenix boosted their Play-Offs hopes with two road wins this past week. Ben Thomas' side overcame Manchester Giants 102-113 in a high-scoring thriller before edging past Bristol Flyers in a 63-68 success with a double-double from Dii'jon Allen-Jordan helping lead the way.