Preview: Lions @ Scorchers

Surrey Scorchers return to Surrey Sports Park on Saturday evening (7pm tip-off) to host south east rivals the London Lions in the first round of the BBL Cup.

Surrey Scorchers vs London Lions
BBL Cup Round 1
Saturday 17th October 2015
7.30pm tip-off
Click here to buy tickets

The Opposition

Scorchers’ most local rivals have a long history in British Basketball, starting out as the Hemel Hempstead Lakers back in 1977. Since then they have undergone a range of name changes and have dipped in an out of top flight basketball, competing as the Milton Keynes Lions until 2012 before launching as the capital’s brand new club in 2012.

Playing their games out of Stratford’s Copper Box Arena, Lions often bring a large faithful with them to Surrey and Saturday’s game will be no different following a 6th place finish in the BBL last year.

The Ones to Watch

With a roster full of BBL experience, Lions are sure to roar at Surrey Sports Park. Captain Joe Ikhinmwin has enjoyed BBL success with the Newcastle Eagles in past seasons before signing for London in 2013, picking up nearly 90 appearances in 3 seasons.

Forward Jamal Williams is another player with a glittering career in the BBL, with two play-off wins and two BBL Trophy titles to his name plus experience at Jets, Raiders and Wolves- an impressive summer signing for former BBL All Star man and Lions Head Coach Robert Youngblood.

The Roster

Scorchers will welcome new signing Christian Behrens into the roster for his BBL debut having signed earlier this week.

With the point guard position still open, and a player coming in early next week to fill the gap, Coach Creon will have to be a little creative once again to ensure the role is adequately filled.

The Form

Lions have started their season with a mixed bag of results heading into Saturday’s game. Wins over Raiders and Force in rounds 1 and 2 gave them hope of a positive season ahead, but this has been followed by back-to-back defeats against Eagles and Flyers.

Lions last 4 games: LLWW

Scorchers themselves have matched that win record thus far, with a disappointing last minute defeat at Force last Friday a small blemish on what has been a solid start for the BBL new boys.

Scorchers last 4 games: LWLW

Coverage

We will have live updates on Facebook and Twitter, plus you can check out the official BBL LiveStats by clicking here.