London Lions are gearing up to play their next EuroCup fixture at the OVO Arena Wembley against Hapoel Tel Aviv on Wednesday.
The London team are seventh in Group B of the competition, with a record of four wins and five losses, whilst Tel Aviv sit fourth.
And with nine games left before the next stage and the top eight teams advancing, the tie represents a vital chance to climb the table for both sides.
Lions have already set two massive records thus far this season as on October 18, they became the first British team in 18 years to win a home game in the EuroCup when they edged Trento 80-75.
They then became the first British team to win an away game in the competition when they thumped Hamburg 103-73 on November 22.
British Basketball continues its rapid growth in popularity as viewership figures show that the Lions’ EuroCup game on December 21, broadcast on BT Sport 1, gained a 340 per cent increase in peak viewership from the last peak record.
The sport is thriving within the UK as the game also boasted a sold-out crowd at the Copper Box Arena alongside record attendances last season, including over 15,000 at The O2 Arena when the Lions faced Leicester Riders in the BBL Play-Off final.
The Lions’ involvement in the EuroCup, one of the most prestigious club competitions in basketball, is a factor aiding the growth of the sport as they are the first UK team to be included in the EuroCup since 2007.
The team boast a plethora of talent, including former NBA players Miye Oni, Sam Dekker and Kosta Koufos, alongside Great Britain international Ovie Soko. The star-studded roster includes homegrown tier-one talent, with the diverse squad boasting an abundance of experience playing in major basketball leagues around the world.
London Lions head coach Ryan Schmidt said: “We’re excited about the opportunity to host Hapoel Tel Aviv here in London on Wednesday.
"They’re an extremely talented team and have an outstanding fan base that travels well, which will create a great atmosphere at Wembley Arena.
"This is another opportunity to continue to showcase British basketball on one of the biggest stages, and we’re looking forward to the challenge.”
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