The Teesside Lions showcased tremendous resilience and heart in a nail-biting contest against league leaders Bristol Flyers II, ultimately falling short 75-77 in overtime. The Lions were up against a formidable Flyers side that entered the game on a 9-match unbeaten streak, and while a slow start left Teesside facing a steep uphill battle, a dramatic fourth-quarter revival nearly rewrote the script.  

Bristol came out firing, using excellent ball movement and precision perimeter shooting to set the tone early. Corey Hill, David Thomas, Karim Taros, and Giuseppe Landolfi each drained crucial 3-pointers in the first quarter, establishing a rhythm that the Lions struggled to match. Jamie Glen kept Teesside competitive with a spirited opening performance, but the Lions trailed 17-25 at the end of the first quarter.  

The second quarter saw Bristol extend their advantage to 30-45 by halftime. Despite solid individual efforts, Teesside couldn't find their best form. Zak Missouri and Brenden Patrick attempted to spark a comeback in the third quarter, but Bristol's consistency ensured they maintained a comfortable 16-point lead heading into the final period, 48-64.  

Then came the fourth quarter—a breathtaking turnaround orchestrated by Lions' coach Serge Bojev. The Lions mounted an incredible 25-6 run that stunned the Flyers and electrified the home crowd. Brenden Patrick was sensational, scoring 12 points with fearless drives to the basket, while Marcello Maffezzoli’s clutch 3-pointer and Manny Kabengele's 10-point haul, capped by an And-1 finish, forced overtime in the dying seconds.  

The overtime period saw Teesside carry their momentum, but a controversial no-call on a Jamie Glen 3-point attempt with six seconds remaining left the Lions one point behind. With the game on the line, a foul to stop the clock sent Bristol's Wickens Simba to the free-throw line, where he split his attempts to secure a 77-75 victory for the Flyers.  

While the loss was heartbreaking for Teesside, the match will be remembered as a showcase of their resilience and ability to challenge even the best teams in the league. This spirited performance, despite the result, is a testament to the Lions' growth and determination as they look to bounce back in their next game.  

Teesside now travel to Cardiff for a double-header of games against Cardiff City on Saturday and Cardiff Met on Sunday. The team will then return for the home game against Bristol United on Saturday 14th December. Three wins this side of Christmas would be a great finish to 2024 and a huge boost to the playoff run in 2025.