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The Lions hit the Eagles for 115 in the North East, winning the game by a mammoth 67 points.
GB international Karlie Samuelson erupted for 35 points in 24 minutes, marking the highest scoring debut in Women’s British Basketball League history.
Having spent a couple weeks away through the international break, the Lions returned to domestic action against a Newcastle side looking to bounce back from their 41-point defeat to the Gladiators back in October.
The reigning champions arrived at the Vertu Motors Arena without five absentees – as Abby Meyers, Megan Gustafson, Maya Price, Katie Cox and Cheridene Green were all sidelined for the game.
However, that didn’t stop London’s hot start as Karlie Samuelson opened up a 15-0 run with a neat mid-range jump shot. The Eagles struggled to get the lid of the basket whilst their opponents built a strong, early lead. In fact, it took the hosts seven minutes to find their opening basket in the game.
London looked exceptional in the opening 10 minutes and took a 20-point lead into the second quarter.
After being limited to just eight points, the Eagles picked up their scoring in the second quarter but still found themselves trailing by a considerable margin.
The Lions drained 17 three-pointers on the evening, shooting a staggering 48.6% from behind the arc. By half-time, Samuelson had 17 points in what was a statement first half from the Stanford alumni. Her teammates were also firing, with London taking a 33-point lead into the break.
In the third quarter, Newcastle was again restricted offensively – scoring just one point in the opening four minutes of the period. The Lions looked superb on both ends of the floor which was proving to be evident in the scoreline.
A standout for the hosts was Marina Fernandez, who scored 19 points and played every second possible in the game.
As the match rolled on into the dying minutes, Stella Kaltsidou’s side went into cruise control – marking a standout victory for the Lions.
The visitors had 52 bench points on the evening and looked excellent in every department. They will hope to maintain that same energy against BC Castors Braine – who travel to London ahead of Tuesday’s European clash.
Watch the full game here.
