Griffins Fall Short in High-Scoring TBL Battle Against Leprechauns

The St. Louis Griffins suffered a narrow 123-115 defeat at home against the Lebanon Leprechauns on June 5, 2026, in a USA TBL matchup that showcased explosive offensive firepower from both sides. Despite a valiant second-half rally, the Griffins could not overcome a slow start, as the Leprechauns capitalized on balanced scoring and clutch perimeter shooting to secure the road victory.

Game Overview

Playing in front of an energized home crowd, St. Louis entered the contest looking to build momentum in the TBL standings. The Griffins, known for their up-tempo style, faced a Lebanon team that thrives on three-point shooting and transition defense. From the opening tip, the Leprechauns seized control with a 34-25 first quarter, exploiting mismatches in the paint and knocking down early looks from beyond the arc. The Griffins responded in the second period, cutting the deficit to seven at halftime (60-53), but Lebanon’s relentless pressure kept them at arm’s length throughout the second half.

Key Moments

• First Quarter Surge: Lebanon opened with a 12-2 run, forcing St. Louis into early turnovers. Guard Marcus Wills scored eight of his team-high 27 points in the opening frame.
• Griffins’ Third-Quarter Push: St. Louis trimmed the lead to 89-85 heading into the fourth, fueled by a personal 10-0 run from forward Jalen Cross, who finished with 30 points and 11 rebounds.
• Clutch Leprechauns Finish: With the game tied at 109 with under four minutes left, Lebanon answered with a 9-0 burst, including back-to-back three-pointers from guard Tyrese Coleman, who hit six triples on the night.

Standout Performers

Lebanon Leprechauns: Tyrese Coleman led all scorers with 33 points (6-of-10 from three), while Marcus Wills added 27 points, 8 assists, and 4 steals. Center David Okafor contributed a double-double with 18 points and 14 rebounds, anchoring the interior defense.

St. Louis Griffins: Jalen Cross’s 30-point, 11-rebound outing was a bright spot. Point guard Isaiah Vance recorded 22 points and 12 assists, but the Griffins struggled with foul trouble, sending Lebanon to the free-throw line 28 times (made 24).

Tactical Story

The game was defined by contrasting approaches: Lebanon’s precision from deep (18-of-34 from three) versus St. Louis’s reliance on paint scoring (52 points in the lane). The Leprechauns’ ability to stretch the floor forced the Griffins into uncomfortable defensive rotations, leading to open catch-and-shoot opportunities. Meanwhile, St. Louis turned the ball over 16 times, allowing 19 points in transition—a decisive factor in the final margin.

Standings Impact

The victory improved Lebanon’s record to 12-5 on the season, keeping them in the hunt for a top-four seed in the TBL Eastern Conference. St. Louis dropped to 9-8, slipping into a tie for sixth place. The Griffins will look to regroup as they head on a three-game road trip starting next week.