EuroCup, group B: Aquila Basket Trento 70 London Lions 84

The Lions sit seventh in Group B of the competition after a 84-70 victory and face Spanish giants Gran Canaria in their next game at the Copper Box Arena on Tuesday January 24.

They showed their determination to record an important victory over Italian side Trento as an impressive second-half performance saw Lions make history, with their record improving to 5-6.

Former NBA star Sam Dekker led the team for points - registering a double-double of 23 points and 10 rebounds - as Lions shot an impressive 47 per cent from three-point range. 

Focus now turns to Tuesday as they welcome Group B leaders Gran Canaria to Stratford, when they will have to be perfect if they are going to get anything from the game. Gran Canaria boast a record of nine wins and two losses in the competition after beating Lions 87-69 earlier in the season.

With eight games left before the next stage and the top eight teams advancing, the Lions will look to maximise every opportunity to make the next round as British Basketball continues its rapid growth in popularity.

Viewership figures show that the London 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 both of the Lions last two home EuroCup games have boasted sold-out crowds at the Copper Box Arena and the OVO Arena Wembley. 

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 boasts a host of talent, including former NBA players Dekker, Miye Oni and Kosta Koufos and Great Britain international Ovie Soko, and their star-studded roster includes a hybrid of homegrown tier-one talent in a diverse squad with an abundance of experience playing in major basketball leagues around the world.