The current run of form for the Surrey 89ers shows no sign of relenting as they dealt the league-leading London Lions just a third domestic defeat of the season.

In my time watching British basketball, this may be the highest quality match-up I have witnessed, with both teams showing unbelievable skills on both ends of the court. Current form suggests both teams would arrive at the Surrey Sports Park full of confidence.

Lions, coming off the back of a last-gasp defeat in Europe, which will have tempered the celebrations from the previous weekend’s Super League Basketball (SLB) Trophy success, ran into the red-hot Niners, who had enjoyed back-to-back road wins against Leicester.

Molten Coach of the month Lloyd Gardner sprang a surprise from the off, with seven-foot big man Haydn Ling into the starting five — a choice made to match up with his opposite number, Ethan Price.

The first quarter saw both teams trading scores, as the elite level of offence from both shone through. Perhaps the Niners stole the early highlight plays with a ridiculous step-back three from Kino Lilly and a huge dunk from Ling. The quarter drew to a close with a slender 23-25 lead for the visitors.

The second quarter followed much the same pattern, the lead being passed back and forward. Lions just pushing out to a five-point lead at the half, thanks to some solid offence from Deane Williams and Shavar Reynolds.

With just under 2 minutes of the half left, the Niners were dealt a huge blow as Michael Graham lay prone on the court. While attempting another rebound, it appeared that Graham landed on the foot of teammate Isiah Small and appeared to severely roll his ankle.

Graham left the game, and despite an attempted half-time fitness test, he would not return. A huge loss to the hosts as they headed for the locker room.

In truth, the second half belonged to the Niners; the halftime Lions lead quickly disappeared. Led by the new SLB three amigos, Kino Lilly, Ronny Polite and Tyrin Lawrence, the Niners opened up a lead as big as 10. The three-pronged guard attack seems to enjoy creating for each other as much as they do scoring themselves.

Lilly shows ridiculous consistency from beyond the arc, Polite is a constant threat driving to the basket as well as an elite-level facilitator, and Lawrence is the finisher. He seems to come to life down the stretch, and since his arrival, he has been one of the key factors in Surrey closing games out.

As has become the hallmark of Surrey and Coach Gardner, British talent was once again at the forefront of another victory. Haydn Ling is starting the game and beginning to add the consistency to his performances that we have been waiting for.

Nedas Cholevinskas coming off the bench to add grit and steel to the line-up as well as a threat to any opposition defence. Then there is that man, Timmy Nwankwo. Stepping in once again and looking like he belongs, particularly on the defensive end. In this game, playing good minutes and providing blocks and steals at crucial times in this game.

For a team with what is widely regarded as comfortably the lowest budget in the league, what Surrey are achieving right now is remarkable.

So what happens next?

This weekend, a two-legged cup semi-final against Manchester lies ahead. The chance to return to the cup final for a second successive year. The potential loss of Graham is a huge blow, but the Niners have shown on a couple of occasions this year that they can cope with his absence.

If the three Amigos can continue the current form they are showing, then this could be a high-scoring and entertaining semi-final match-up.

Confidence and momentum are huge in sport, and right now the Surrey 89ers are completely oozing both!!