Basketball: Lloyd's Lions leap above Birmingham
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Milton Keynes Lions climbed over Birmingham Bullets to fourth place in the Southern Conference by beating them 106-98 at Bletchley last night.
The Lions player-coach, Nigel Lloyd, scored 31 points against his former club, including six three-pointers, while the 6ft 9in Jason Siemon also scored 31 and added 17 rebounds.
The Bullets were without their playmaker, Rob Paternostro, who suffered an elbow injury in Saturday night's 86-80 defeat against London Leopards, who are third in the South behind the leaders London Towers and Brighton Bears.
Paternostro's three-pointer cut Leopards' lead to 80-77, but they won the game from the free throw line to take a firm grip on third place.
Towers and Brighton have already qualified for the play-off quarter-finals, and the last two places from the South will be settled by next weekend's final games.
On Saturday night, Milton Keynes outscored Thames Valley Tigers 14-1 over the final seven minutes to win 79-76 at Bracknell, with Leon Noel hitting two three-pointers and a two-pointer in their match-winning surge.
Also on Saturday, the defending champions, Leicester Riders, won 89-84 at Derby Storm, knowing that one more defeat would cost them a place in the play-off quarter-finals and the chance to defend their title.
Riders will still have to win their final game, at the Northern Conference leaders, Chester Jets, on Sunday, and hope Edinburgh Rocks lose both their remaining games. If not, the Scots will claim the final play-off place from the North. Chester, Sheffield Sharks and Newcastle Eagles have already qualified.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments