Lions' coach Vince Macaulay is looking for his side to complete a memorable season and lift the BBL Championship play-off trophy when they play Newcastle Eagles, on Sunday.
Thursday's 100-80 semi-final second leg victory against Plymouth Raiders gave the Lions a shot at the season's final piece of silverware, and Macaulay can't wait to get on the floor at Morningside Arena.
"We're delighted to be in the final, and we're determined to be the last man standing" he said.
"We will have played in every single BBL game available to us, so it shows the resilience of our guys and I hope that the work they've put in pays off on Sunday.
"I think everyone in the BBL, and also the WBBL and Division One deserves a massive shout-out for getting the season played under extraordinary conditions. I think sometimes people don't understand what we've all had to cope with this year and what a huge challenge it's been just to get the season completed,"
Macaulay couldn't hide his delight at Thursday's crushing victory against Raiders: "It all went to plan, despite losing players like flies, and it's a good job we have plenty of them" he said.
"We were a lot more physical than on Tuesday, as I knew we'd need that. We managed to limit their offensive rebounds and when they did get them, they found it hard to convert in the paint.
"We kept our intensity going, forced 25 turnovers and played at a pace I knew they wouldn't be able to live with. Despite us losing Orlando [Parker] and Justin [Robinson] they were worn down by the fourth period. I think our English guys - Josh [Ward-Hibbert], Jules [Dang-Akodo], Shane [Walker] and Jordan Spencer - did a fantastic job. They all know how to go out and grind out a win, they're not worried about their stats, they took the game by the scruff of the neck and helped us win."
The one disappointment for the Lions was Robinson leaving the game with an ankle injury during the third period and Macaulay admitted that the English point guard is a major doubt for Sunday's showdown with Eagles: "Justin's unlikely to play which is a massive blow as he set the tone for us on Tuesday evening" he said. "He's having a scan and we'll prepare as if he isn't playing but if he can play a limited part that will obviously be a massive boost for us. It would be a real shame for Justin if he missed the chance to help us to a first play-off title."
Macaulay knows that an Eagles side who won the BBL Cup by beating a Covid-hit Lions team in the final will provide a tough test for his team: "It's an amazing achievement for Eagles to reach the final" he said.
"I think the league MVP is DeAndre Liggins, but I couldn't vote for my own guy so Fletch [Rahmon Fletcher] got my vote. He leads from the front in both points and assists, and has been incredible for them at times.
"Ian Macleod has done a terrific job since replacing Fab [Flournoy] as coach, he's clearly learned well from Fab and has Fletch to help him. They've been short-handed at times, but they've won a trophy and with Gordon and Edwards playing well, they've put themselves in a fantastic position by reaching Sunday's final."
The Lions Head Coach knows what his side has to do if they are to win the play-off title for the first time: "We have to find a solution for their transition game. That was key in their win against Leicester, they just wore them down. Darius Defoe anchors brilliantly, he's arguably playing better than ever as his experience helps control the game and execute effectively."
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