The London Lions took to the court with over 1,000 passionate fans cheering them on in the Copper Box Arena Wednesday night, as they took on DVTK in the first of their two-legged qualifier for EuroLeague Women.
It was the Hungarian side that finished the game strongly, to take a lead of 63-48 in this heated qualifier.
The London Lions' right to make it into Europe’s top league will rest on the aggregate score after their return leg to DVTK next week.
London Lions and DVTK traded blows in Q1 & Q2, before the latter put 5 points between them and the Lions going into the second half. The third quarter saw DVTK increase their lead before the Lions pulled it back to a 1 point game at the start of Q4, setting up a high-tempo finish to the game, which ultimately saw DVTK pull away.
Megan Gustafson finished the game on top for the Lions with 13 points and 7 rebounds, in what was her first game as a London Lion. Meanwhile, fresh from the LA Sparks this week, Karlie Samuelson's impact was also felt from the off, with the WNBA star putting up 7 points.
London Lions hopes to qualify for the EuroLeague Women regular season rest on the aggregate score, following a second-leg fixture in Hungary, facing DVTK again on Wednesday 27th September.
Hungarian side DVTK made it through the qualification round last year, before embarking on their own Euroleague campaign where they went 8/8 over the season.
London Lions will be hosting a watch along party at Slice Club in Hackney Wick next week, for fans to come and cheer on the Lions women’s team as they attempt to make history. Register for a ticket here.
