Lions Roar: Novak's Fourth-Quarter Surge Downs Sentinels 114-102
Novak Ignites London's Offense in Dominant Home Victory
LONDON – The London Lions secured a commanding 114-102 victory over the Paris Sentinels on Saturday, fueled by a relentless offensive attack and a clutch fourth-quarter performance from Astrid Novak. The Lions controlled the tempo for much of the contest, but it was in the final frame where they truly pulled away, extending their win streak to solidify their position in the February 2026 Season standings.
The game began as a back-and-forth affair, with both teams trading early baskets. The Lions’ ball movement was exceptional from the outset, creating open looks and racking up assists. Freya Lund was instrumental in orchestrating the offense, dishing out a game-high 8 assists to go along with 17 points. Paris responded with timely three-pointers, including a crucial triple from Luna Diaz that kept them within striking distance.
However, the tide began to turn in the second half as the Lions’ defense tightened. Aisha Hassan was a force on the glass, grabbing a game-high 9 rebounds, and contributed 13 points. The momentum firmly shifted in the fourth quarter, spearheaded by Astrid Novak. Novak poured in 18 points, including several key baskets down the stretch, as the Lions’ offense found another gear. Her ability to create her own shot and finish through contact proved too much for the Sentinels’ defense.
“We knew Paris would come out fighting, so it was important for us to stay composed and execute our game plan,” said Lions Head Coach, David Sterling. “Astrid was phenomenal tonight, and the entire team really stepped up. Our assists numbers tell a story of fantastic teamwork.”
Novak added, “It feels great to get the win at home. We shared the ball, trusted each other, and made some big shots when it mattered most.”
Key Notes:
- Lions’ Assists: London recorded an impressive 36 assists on 45 made field goals.
- Second-Chance Points: The Lions dominated the boards with 16 offensive rebounds, leading to critical second-chance opportunities.
- Balanced Scoring: Seven Lions players reached double-digit scoring.
- Turnover Battle: London’s efficient ball movement resulted in a 4.0 assist-to-turnover ratio compared to Paris’ 2.9.