Big Weekend Double For Lions

Teesside Lions have a big weekend ahead of them with their first league game of the season away to Sheffield Elite on Saturday followed by a trip to Division One heavyweights Newcastle University in the National Cup on Sunday.

The latter follows the progression into round 3 of the cup after Lions beat division two side Derbyshire Arrows a fortnight ago. This victory came despite missing leading scorer Matt Hughes and Head Coach Marc Steutel who had contracted Covid.

Both are back for the weekend fixtures which will provide Teesside fans with a glimmer of hope that they could potentially upset the high-flying Newcastle team and progress into the fourth round.

The enormity of that task however cannot be understated and while it was an impressive win for current D3 side Lions to beat D2 side Derbyshire, it is a whole new level against a D1 outfit, especially one affiliated with Newcastle Eagles and players regularly featuring for the BBL team.

Head Coach Marc Steutel believes in the Lions ability to progress, albeit reliant on several key factors.

“For us to beat a division one side like Newcastle, our margin for error is almost nil. Each and every player must deliver and maintain standards throughout the entirety of the game, whether they play forty minutes or three.” Said Steutel.

Sunday’s game will be played at Newcastle University with a 3pm tip.

Prior to this will be the league matter at Sheffield, a newly branded club following the merger of Sheffield Sabres and Sheffield College with an aim of delivering elite level basketball; similar in their ambitions to Teesside.

Sheffield are led by one of the most respected names in British basketball. Pete Scantlebury is a legend of the game with 131 England caps and leading scorer in the BBL. As a head coach, he has BBL experience with Sheffield Sharks and also Coached England 2004-06.

This game is set to be an incredible encounter not only on the court but also on the side-line.

Sheffield have a number of stellar players including some strong young players via their academy system topped up with some season professionals such as Leo Okorie and Aidan Appleyard, both of whom have BBL experience. The team are led by talented young 6’7 forward Mahamud Ibrahim who is currently averaging 26pts per game.

The weekend will be a stern test indeed, but the kind of challenge the Lions are looking forward to.

Lions will be back in action on the home court on Halloween Sunday when they entertain Sheffield Elite II at Eston Arena. Tickets are available now at www.TeessideLions.com

Teesside Lions v Sheffield Elite II

Sunday 31st October 2.30pm Tip

– Doors open 1.30pm with music, snacks and entertainment.
– Spectators must be seated 30mins prior to tip

Tickets Prices

– Adult £6.50
– U18 & OAP £4.50
– Family £16 (2 adults & 2 u18)

Tickets must be purchased in advance to allow the club to cater for the attendance in accordance with venue & government covid guidelines.