The London Lions Women made history by becoming the first British women's team to compete in Europe since 2007. Not only have they now done that, but they've also taken the first step in qualifying for the Eurocup regular season with a blowout win over Spar Gran Canaria, 76-46.
Lions went ahead and got the first bucket, courtesy Chantel Charles. There was a little back and forth to start the game, with each side getting buckets early. The Lions then started to blow the game open with a lot of tough defence and extra effort plays. By the half, the deficit was over 15 and the Lions used that momentum to carry them home to a 30 point victory.
Kennedy Leonard finished off the game with 14 PTS, 7 ASTS and 5 STLS whilst Cassie Breen also showed played a part in the scoring with 12 PTS and had 7 REBS. It was the performance by Ex-Leicester Rider, Holly Winterburn, that stood out the most from a scoring standpoint. She ended the game with 22 PTS and added 6 REBS, leading the Lions in scoring.
This is a great moment for British Basketball where there has been an ongoing wait for just one of our clubs to breakthrough into the European scene and compete against tougher competition. This blowout victory was a big statement, but the job is not yet done. The Lions and Gran Canaria will have the second leg of their qualifier next Thursday in Spain, where as long as London don't lose by more than 30, they will compete in the Eurocup regular season.