London Lions have become the first-ever UK team to qualify for the EuroCup playoffs after beating Veolia Towers Hamburg 83-66 at the Copper Box Arena last night (February 8). 

The Lions were led in points by Kosta Koufos, who registered a double-double of 17 points and 11 rebounds.

Sam Dekker also continued his brilliant form in the competition scoring 15 points - taking his average points per game to 19.0.

The win improves the London team's record to six wins and eight losses as they sit seventh in Group B.

The Lions have four games left in the group stage of the competition before they enter the playoff rounds. 

A higher position in Group B would result in securing a lower-placed side in the playoffs, with the higher ranked regular season team in each matchup also enjoying home court advantage.  

Head coach Ryan Schmidt’s side now have a chance to secure qualification to the EuroLeague - the most prestigious European basketball competition - if they reach the final of the EuroCup. 

Newham Recorder: Luke Nelson's three point shot (Image: London Lions)Luke Nelson's three point shot (Image: London Lions) (Image: London Lions)

Schmidt said: "I was pleased with our overall effort and to me, the thing that stands out is just the contributions from the entire team.

"Anytime you get a win in this competition it's satisfying and to be able to do it at home was really cool. We just have to continue to build on it again, we have a few games left before playoffs but we want to continue this trajectory." 

The game was watched in front of a crowd of just less than 4,000 and comes after the Lions have boasted several sold-out crowds for their previous EuroCup games at both the Copper Box Arena and the OVO Arena Wembley.

The team, which includes the likes of Miye Oni and Aaron Best, has assembled a star-studded roster with a hybrid of homegrown tier-one talent, in addition to ex-NBA and further international signings.