Lions look to make WBBL history

London Lions look to take another step towards a history-making WBBL season when they host Durham Palatinates at University of East London Sports Dock on Saturday afternoon, tip-off 3.30pm.

Mark Clark's side start their defence of the play-off crown against Durham and they currently hold all four pieces of WBBL silverware - the first team to achieve such a feat. They will be looking to become the first club to complete a clean sweep of all four honours since the WBBL Cup started in 2016 and they also aim to become the first club to complete an unbeaten WBBL season.

While Lions were wracking up a record 24-0 league season, Palatinates overcame a poor start that saw them lost six of their first seven games to grab eighth spot with an 11-13 record - edging out Manchester Mystics for the final post-season spot on the head-to-head decider.

Despite being the eighth seed and massive underdogs, coach Clark isn't taking Durham lightly

"They played really well against us in the first quarter and gave us some problems, They've got Katie Elderkin and Abi Lowe back with them, both are good players and Newcastle showed last season that when a team gets some momentum in the play-offs, anything can happen."

The Lions travelled to the north-east in mid-December and chalked up an 81-58 victory against Lee Davie's team. A 50-19 first half paved the way as Cassie Breen led the way for Lions with four triples in her 24 points while Jo Leedham added 18 points and Steph Umeh 13 points with all players playing under 23 minutes each

Lowe has certainly been a hit for Davie's team switching from neighbours Newcastle Eagles, averaging 13.6 points and 3.4 rebounds in her 13 games as she returned to last season's form. Elle Hendershot led Durham prior to Lowe's arrival and finished the season averaging a 13.2 point, 11 rebound double-double and dishing out 4.8 assists per game. Katie Bennett has also been solid for Davie's team with 12.6 points and 3.6 boards

Tickets for Saturday's game are free but will need to be booked through this link

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