London push Toulouse to the limit in pool stage nailbiter

London succumb 21-18 to number two seeded Toulouse in a tightly contested final matchup of Pool B.

This was the battle to become the top seed emerging from the pool. Both teams had brushed aside Seef in their earlier games, setting up a true test of quality and composure. With the number one spot, and a favourable playoff path on the line, this matchup promised intensity from the opening tip.

Paul Djoko took the fight straight to London, converting through contact at the bucket and following up with a quick cut and layup to propel Toulouse to an early two point lead. Jerome Desrosiers wasted no time in continuing his scoring form from London's first game and he provided a composed two-pointer to draw his side level.

London continued to display stretches of smart, cohesive basketball as Justin Pierce snagged an offensive rebound to set up Jerome Desrosiers, before Evan Walshe drove hard to the rim and finished with a smooth right-hand extension, made possible by excellent team spacing.

However, Paul Djoko and Raphael Wilson were dialled in from inside, connecting on 80% of their one-point attempts, giving Toulouse a two point buffer at 11-9 as Djoko added the extra from the free throw line.

London caught fire going into the latter stages of the contest as Ryan Langborg held his nerve and drilled a two-pointer from the top of the key. An immediate steal gave London the ball back and Justin Pierce splashed a high arcing two of his own, much to the delight of the crowd. Ryan Langborg threaded the needle with a pinpoint pass which led Evan Walshe to the bucket to cap off London's electric scoring spree.

Hugo Suhard worked his way into the lane with a spin move which gave Toulouse a trip to the line and a one point lead. However, Justin Pierce answered with a like-for-like spin as he danced his way to the hole to tie the game at 16-16.

This nailbiter was waiting for someone to take control, and Raphael Wilson did just that, draining a decisive two-pointer to put Toulouse out of reach. Jerome Desrosiers responded with an emphatic slam at the rim, but it wasn’t enough to reel in the French side, who sealed the game from the free-throw line.

London can take real confidence from this performance as they prepare for their quarterfinal clash with Chongming. They pushed an elite team to the limit and will believe they have what it takes to go one better next time.