The London Lions face-off against bitter rivals Sheffield in the first round of the BBL Trophy this Sunday at the Copper box. With London topping the league and already in the BBL Cup Final, the team have their eyes set on an unprecedented treble.
Chance For The Treble?
This really is uncharted territory for the team as they are yet to win a major trophy since relocating to London from Milton Keynes in 2012. One of the biggest factors in the teams change in fortunes this season has been the play of their bench. Lions sixth man Andre Lockhart praised the team’s efforts but downplayed their treble chances ahead of the BBL Trophy tie.
“It’s a huge weekend. There’s a lot to look forward too right now. The organisation is doing really well this year, but we’ve got a lot coming up so let’s not get too ahead of ourselves, take one game at a time”.
The Lions have shown great focus all season recording a league leading 11-2 record to this point. However, with the BBL Trophy commencing this weekend games will be coming thick and fast. With Macaulay’s squads BBL Cup final only a month away you must wonder if the team are already looking ahead to bringing back their first ever silverware to East London.
Sink Or Swim
Sheffield are not a team to be taken lightly or overlooked. Second in the league and only two wins behind London, the Sharks will be looking to make a statement. The teams played out an instant classic in London last week with the Lions taking the win 92-82 in overtime.
The match up between the team’s star forwards Ladarius Tabb and Dirk Williams could define the outcome this Sunday. London’s Tabb has already stunned fans with his athleticism and scoring this season, leading the Lions in points per game. Likewise, Sheffield’s Dirk Williams is a big-time scorer and one of the best shooters in the league. The battle of the two young Americans will be something to watch.
Watching Williams
Williams will carry immense confidence into the cup tie this Sunday after dropping 30 points on Tabb and his team in London last week. The American could not be stopped in the 4th quarter putting the team on his back and forcing overtime, Lions Guard Andre Lockhart emphasised the importance of stopping Williams from scoring early on.
“We got to make sure we control Dirk (Williams). We won’t double him. We just got to be tighter. Basically, we have to try and take his confidence away before he gets hot.”
Lions Head Coach Vance Macaulay heaped further praise on his opponents and their star Dirk Williams ahead of Sundays BBL Trophy clash. “The free-flowing Dirk Williams is a joy to behold, except when he’s against you” Macaulay said with a smile.
Defence Wins Games
No one player can stop Williams from scoring when he finds his rhythm. However, the Lions will look to defend by committee, using the strength of their bench. With multiple wing defenders in Tabb, Guede and Okoro the Lions will be looking to throw everything at Dirk Williams in order to keep him quiet.
If the last match up was anything to go by you can expect something special in London this Sunday. The two hottest teams in the country facing off in the first BBL trophy game of the season. This is what basketball is all about.
