I remember when we were excited that the London Lions women had qualified for the Eurocup competition.
It was big for London, it was huge for British Basketball. We were happy to have a seat on the journey, but I'm not sure that any of us anticipated how long that journey would ultimately last.
This season has been one of continued success for the Lions ladies so far. They were undefeated when lifting the in-season 'Trophy-Cup' tournament hardware back in January and have continued to keep a clean sheet since. Outside of their British Basketball League domination, though, it has been in the Eurocup where their excellence has shone brightest. Where their place amongst Europe's elite has truly been proven.
I took my seat at the Copperbox Arena just in time for tip-off. There was an atmosphere of anticipation that had carried us off the train, across the Olympic park and turned into a frenzy of excitement in the arena. Beşiktaş had beaten the Lions by 7 points in the first leg of action - but that was on Turkish soil. This is the second leg. Welcome to London.
A solid start and the spark of momentum provided by the London crowd elevated the Lions to stay on top for the majority of the game. We, of course, knew that a simple lead was not enough. We needed to win by over 7 points. A near double-digit lead for the majority of the game set our minds at ease for the most part, but if sports have taught us anything, it's that you should never get too comfortable. Ever.
It would be the last 5 minutes of the game where seat numbers would become irrelevant and everyone in the building took to their feet to bring the Eurocup Trophy to the UK. From where I was sitting, it was a couple of clutch plays by Holly Winterburn, first a block, then a dagger 3-pointer, that would allow us to breathe a final sigh of relief. History book status secured.
We hope that this place in history will do something to shape the uncertain future of our London Lions Women's team - and that the biggest victories in UK basketball will take place off the court, as well as on it. There's a lot still to be done, but for now, let's enjoy this one.
