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Game details:
London Lions vs Paris Basketball
EuroCup semi-final game 2
Date: Friday 29th March 2024
Tip: 19:30
Doors open: 18:00
After clinching a victory in Romania against Cluj during the Quarter-finals, the Lions must now confront a formidable European adversary: Paris. The battle of the capitals returns on 29th March and sees our rivals cross the channel and head to the Copper Box arena once more, for the biggest game in men’s franchise history.
In 2022, this rivalry was ignited, and in that short time, it has already provided us with several breathtaking games and unbelievable moments. The upcoming match promises to be no exception, providing fans with another chapter in this exciting tale. Remember the buzzing beating 3-pointer from Sam Dekker, remember how that felt...the atmosphere in the arena? If the answer is yes, we know you’ll have already booked your place. If the answer was no, we’d hate for you to miss another moment like it. It’s the first time the two sides will meet outside of the group stages and with a place in the EuroCup final up for grabs, we expect a battle for the ages.
Here is how it could play out:
Game 1 is in Paris on March 26th and it's a best-of-3 series.
If Paris wins in game 1, they could close it out in East London and head to the Final.
If London wins away in Paris on the 26th, the Lions could close it out and take the series on home court, something I’m sure we’d all love to see.
It's that simple, it's that straightforward, it's a cut-throat best of three series. The Lions need to win at home, regardless of what happens in Paris. Game three, if needed, will take place on April 3rd in the French capital.
Head-to-head:
In four games, Paris has been victorious three times, with the Lions only securing one win, which was a commanding 86-95 victory away from home. That night, Tomislav Zubcic (now plying his trade for Napoli), was the driving force behind the Lions' success, contributing 24 points (24/3/4). Luke Nelson (17/2/3) and Captain Jordan Taylor (13/2/8) provided valuable support.
Amid a hectic month of fixtures in December, with 14 games played, the most recent match was an away game on Boxing Day. Matt Morgan (18 points, 2 rebounds, 2 assists) and EuroCup MVP candidate Gabe Olaseni (14 points, 7 rebounds, 2 assists) led the way for the Lions. However, after a strong opening quarter, the home side could not be caught.
The Lions will be heading into the series with a fully fit roster strengthened by the addition of David Nwaba, who was not registered the last time the two sides met. Nwaba, a January aqcusition has had a trailblazing start to his career in London, proving to be an instrumental part of the European success. Against Turk Telekom in the round of 16 he put up 19 points, 4 rebounds and 3 assists and followed that up in Cluj with 13 points, 8 rebounds and 1 assist, more dimes than anyone else on the court at the BTarena,
The most important player on the 29th though, will be you, our fans. We need you louder than you’ve ever been, united behind the players to roar them home for the win. This game will be the biggest game the Copper Box has ever seen and your role in success cannot be understated. Wear your shirt, sing to the beat of the drum and be there. Get ready for a showdown as Paris comes to London for game 2 of the EuroCup semi-finals. #LETSGOLIONS!
By Ash Ledran
