Phantoms Silence the Lions 101-96 in Overtime Thriller
Vega and Singh Lead Phantoms' Overtime Surge Past Lions
By Alex Sterling
LONDON – The Philadelphia Phantoms snatched victory from the jaws of defeat, outlasting the London Lions 101-96 in a dramatic overtime contest at the Copper Box Arena. After a furious comeback in the final quarter, the Phantoms rode the stellar play of their backcourt duo to secure a crucial road win in the February 2026 Season.
The Lions appeared to have control for much of the game, building a steady lead through strong rebounding and timely shooting. However, Philadelphia clawed their way back in the fourth quarter, fueled by clutch baskets and aggressive defense. A steal and subsequent layup by Zara Sanchez late in regulation ignited their charge, forcing the extra period.
In overtime, the Phantoms’ offensive firepower took over. Catalina Vega, who finished with a near triple-double, orchestrated the offense with 7 assists and added 19 points and 8 rebounds. Maya Singh led all scorers with 20 points, including several critical makes in the waning moments. “We knew we had to dig deep,” Vega commented after the game. “They’re a tough team at home, but we believed in each other and made the plays when it mattered most.”
For the London Lions, while the defeat stings, several players showed flashes of brilliance. Chloe Beaumont was a consistent threat, pouring in 15 points and dishing out 4 assists. Cassia Aoki added 11 points, 7 rebounds, and 4 assists, showcasing her all-around game. “It’s a tough pill to swallow,” said Lions coach, Elias Thorne. “We played hard, but we need to learn to close out games like this. Credit to Philadelphia, they made the big shots.”
The Phantoms’ balanced attack and ability to hit free throws down the stretch proved to be the difference. They will look to carry this momentum forward as the season progresses.
Key Notes:
- Philadelphia Phantoms shot 76.2% from the free-throw line (16/21).
- London Lions struggled from the charity stripe, converting just 58.3% (14/24).
- Catalina Vega recorded 7 assists, contributing significantly to the Phantoms’ 27 total assists.
- The Lions out-rebounded the Phantoms 54-52, led by Freya Lund’s 11 boards.