London Lions continue historic run into EuroCup Women semi-finals

Image credit: FIBA

London Lions extended their perfect record in EuroCup Women this season after beating Melikgazi Kayseri to reach the semi-finals.

The British side had an eight-point cushion going into the second leg and secured another triumph at the Copper Box to complete an overall winning margin of 20 points.

Second leg (Lions 82-70 Kayseri) – 28th February

Mission accomplished for the Lions as they got the job done with a 12-point home victory to celebrate booking their place in the last four.

Megan Gustafson top scored with 24 points in the win with Karlie Samuelson adding 19 points and nine rebounds as the duo led the way once again.

Box score.

London set the tone on the defensive end with a 17-10 opening quarter and continued to pull away to open up a 20-point overall lead at half-time with Samuelson already into double figures.

Kat Snytsina added eight points in the third with the result already beyond doubt, and Shanice Beckford-Norton came up with a huge rejection to firmly put the stamp on the tie.

First leg (Kayseri 69-77 Lions) – 22nd February

London seized control of the tie with an impressive display in Turkiye to take an eight-point lead back home.

Gustafson posted a 26-point haul with Samuelson just behind with 25 points, while Temi Fagbenle added 15 points and 10 rebounds and Shey Peddy dished out 10 assists.

Box score.

The visitors came out strong with 30 points in the opening quarter capped by a late triple from Fagbenle. London would establish a six-point lead at the half-time break with their advantage on the night peaking at 15 points.

However, Kayseri were able to keep the deficit in single figures with new signing Dearica Hamby putting up 23 points and 13 rebounds to keep her side in contention, though London maintained their perfect record in the competition.

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