London Lions and Newcastle Eagles have long been two of the premier clubs in the British Basketball League, but both clubs will be looking for their first WBBL Cup triumph when they meet at the Utilita Arena in Birmingham on Sunday lunchtime.
Neither side has progressed past the semi-final of the WBBL's season-opening competition before, but they did met in last season's Play-Off final where Kennedy Leonards' 20 point, 12 assist, 10 rebound triple-double saw Lions roar to a 93-71 victory.
It hasn't been an easy trip to the final for Clark's side, facing two of their title rivals on the way to Sunday's showdown. Lions opened the group stage with a comfortable 83-52 victory against Essex Rebels before winning a nail-biter against Sevenoaks Suns 81-76, a game which remains the Kent side's only loss this season. The semi-final saw them face another unbeaten side as they travelled to Sheffield Hatters, but 27 points, seven rebounds and five assists from Jo Leedham helped to an impressive 100-66 victory against the club who have won more trophies in British basketball than all their current rivals combined.
That is Leedham's only game in the competition so far, with Kennedy Leonard leading the way for the Lions in their three ties, averaging 16.33 points, 9.67 assists and 7.67 rebounds
Eagles hit the ground running in their Cup campaign, winning 80-47 against Durham Palatinates before hammering Caledonia Pride 84-50 the following day. The semi-final against Leicester Riders proved to be a much tougher game as Eagles trailed 39-34 heading into the final period, and were still a point down as they headed into the final two minutes. But a dagger three-pointer from Jessica Eadsforth-Yaytes proved key as Eagles scored the final six points to take a 50-45 victory and seal a first Cup final spot in club history.
The game at is part of a double header at Utilita Arena and the men’s final pits Manchester Giants against Leicester Riders. Manchester, led by Great Britain star Dan Clark, are looking for their first piece of BBL silverware while Leicester, starring last season’s MVP Geno Crandall, will look to add to their trophy collection. Tickets are available here: BBL Cup Final Tickets & Tour Dates | The Ticket Factory
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