Paris Basketball wrapped up the best-of-three semifinal series against the London Lions with a clinical performance at Copper Box Arena.

Paris beats London 85-93 to romp into EuroCup Finals

Paris Basketball reached the BKT EuroCup Finals after an 85-93 win at London Lions sealed a 2-0 sweep in their best-of-three semifinal series, with the French team booking a clash with either compatriots Mincidelice JL Bourg en Bresse or Besiktas Emlakjet Istanbul, who are tied 1-1. Following an emphatic 99-86 victory on its home court in Game 1 on Tuesday, Paris fought back from a 45-39 halftime deficit and prevailed thanks to ironclad defense coupled with smooth offense in the second half.

TJ Shorts paced Paris with 21 points and 6 assists, while Nadir Hifi and Sebastian Herrera posted 13 each. Justin Simon scored 11 points and Collin Malcolm chipped in with 10, as Paris overcame a poor first half in which it was outmuscled and committed 14 turnovers. Matt Morgan of London led all scorers with a game-high 25 points and Jordan Taylor added 17, but the rest of the home team's roster failed to hit double digits in scoring, as the Lions committed 21 turnovers.

Paris raced into an 8-16 lead thanks to tough defense early on. Roared on by a fervent home crowd, London slashed the deficit to 19-21 by the end of the first quarter. Powered by Morgan and impeccable rebounding at both ends of the floor, London turned the tables by halftime, opening up a 45-39 lead behind 24 rebounds and out 13 assists, which compensated for 14 turnovers.

With Morgan netting 12 points for the Lions and Shorts pouring 13 at the other end, the visitors were undone in the opening two quarters by poor free throw shooting as they sank only 9 of 18 from the foul line.

Game Videos

However, the tide turned after the break as Paris conjured a 6-17 run thanks to a barrage of fastbreaks generated by a heap of London turnovers in the wake of physical defending by the visitors. London was able to close the gap to 64-66 at the end of the third quarter but another 0-7 run by Paris left the home team a mountain to climb down the stretch.

Down 67-73, but galvanized by passionate support from their fans, the hosts tried to launch one last onslaught but were tamed by Hifi in the closing stages, as the versatile guard made a three-point play and Paris pulled away, 69-78. Hifi then hit a clutch three as Paris surged ahead 76-86 several minutes later and it was lights out for a brave and battling Lions outfit, which has now lost all four of the season's matchups against a superior Paris team.  

 

Game News

The French side wrapped up the best-of-three semifinal series with a clinical performance at the Copper Box Arena.

 

London Lions v Paris Basketball (2024-03-29T19:30:00.000Z)

Besiktas followed the inspiration of 15,000-plus home fans to wrestle a 81-72 victory from Bourg and force their BKT EuroCup Semifinals series to a third, do-or-die game next week in France. 

Besiktas blasts Bourg 81-72 to force Game 3

Besiktas followed the inspiration of 15,000-plus home fans to wrestle a 81-72 victory from Bourg and force their BKT EuroCup Semifinals series to a third, do-or-die game next week in France. After a tense first half with 12 lead changes, Besiktas trailed 32-39 soon after halftime at the raucous Sinan Erdem Dome before reeling off an 11-0 run that changed the game for good. The lead reached a high of 73-58 with 5 minutes left before Besiktas closed it out. Jonah Mathews and Matthew Mitchell led five double-digit scores for Besiktas with 17 points each. Angel Delgado added 13 points, Derek Needham 12 and Marko Simonovic 11 for the winners. Isiaha Mike led Bourg with 19 points while Jequan Lewis added 11.

Besiktas suffered 3 quick turnovers before Delgado and Mathews got loose to stake a 4-2 lead.  Zaccharie Risacher tied it on a one-handed floater and after Mitchell answered, Mike sent Bourg ahead from deep 6-7. Lewis added a mid-range jumper at 7-9 but Needham topped with a triple to flip the lead again. Mike, despite 2 fouls, buried 7 consecutive points for Bourg to lead 12-16. Berk Ugurlu reeled Besiktas back from long distance and Simonovic restored a Besiktas lead, 17-16. Maxim Salash scored for Bourg but so did Kerem Konan to give Besiktas the 19-18 edge after 10 minutes.

Free throws by Simonovic and Kyle Allman lifted the lead to 23-18 as Bourg was held scoreless  for almost 3 minutes of the second quarter until Jeremy Morgan hit a reverse layup and Bodian Massa a lane runner at 23-22. Salash backed down to put the visitors back in front, 23-24. Yigit Arslan and Risacher traded baskets and leads. Simonovic stepped outside to flip it again before Hugo Benitez tied it up for Bourg. Mitchell bumped Besitkas in front and Kevin Kokila tied. Lewis, Delgado and Salash all traded leads before Lewis converted a three-point play with 5 seconds left to leave Bourg in charge, 32-36, at the break. 

Lewis beat the shot clock with  a triple to give Bourg a 32-39 lead right after halftime. Matthews combined a foul-line jumper with 3 free throws to get Besiktas right back in it before Delgado tied and Matthews canned a second-chance runner for the second half's first lead change, 41-39. Delgado kept it going with a power bucket for an 11-0 Besiktas run before Lewis stopped it with free throws. Mitchell's acrobatic tip-in and jumper extended the difference to 49-43. Simonovic and Mitchell upped it further before the big man made it 55-46 on a steal and slam. Bourg put on a quick 2-7 run to respond, but Needham stole and finished for a 59-53 Besiktas lead after 30 minutes.

Massa and Mathews exchanged baskets to open the final quarter, then Delgado's put-back made it 63-55 for Besiktas. Mitchell's triple in transition after a timeout made it a double-digit difference. Mathews and Mitchell kept pouring it on as the lead soared to 73-58. At 73-62 with 4 minutes left, Mitchell jumped on a fake from Bourg's Lewis and crashed to the floor, hitting his shoulder and head. It took him some minutes before he walked off gingerly, eventually smiling at all the attention. Mike got the difference down to single digits with a jumper and then added a triple to suddenly make it 73-67. He soon added free throws at 74-69 with 2 minutes left, but  Needham blasted from deep over Massa and Bourg missed a pair of missed triples, sending the series back to France to be resolved in Game 3 next week.  

The series heads back to France for a deciding game after Besiktas held serve at home.

Besiktas Emlakjet Istanbul v Mincidelice JL Bourg en Bresse (2024-03-29T17:45:00.000Z)

Check out the Game 2 predictions for Paris Basketball vs. London Lions from EuroCupbasketball.com staff members.

Semifinals predictions: Game 2, Paris Basketball vs. London Lions

The best-of-three BKT EuroCup Semifinals are historic already as Paris Basketball and London Lions bring the highest-level European club game yet to the French capital.

### Paris sweeps 

### *by Igor Petrinovic*

Paris continued its dominance in the competition on Tuesday with its third win this season over London. Of their three head-to-head games, the only one that had drama in it was in Round 4 when Paris pulled out a 102-106 overtime decision. Back then, Paris did it despite losing T.J. Shorts in overtime, but even without him managed to finish the game on a 0-9 run. London Lions will not go down without a fight, but I think Paris sweeps its way into the EuroCup Finals. **My pick: Paris.**

Paris enters this series on a remarkable 11-game winning streak after eliminating Joventut Badalona in the quarters, whereas London roared to the semis with a pair of double-digit do-or-die victories, including a 12-point road triumph against U-BT Cluj Napoca.

Paris Basketball-London Lions | Semifinals Game 1 Highlights | 2023-24 BKT EuroCup

### London will make amends at Copper Box

#### *by Geoff Gillingham*

There were positive signs from the London Lions during Game 1 at Paris, but ultimately some frustrations got the better of them, allowing the hosts to pull away. The good thing about playing in a series, however, is that you can quickly learn from your mistakes. In front of a packed-out Copper Box Arena, I think Petar Bozic’s charges will get back on track and force a Game 3 back in the French capital, with David Nwaba, Sam Dekker and [Gabe Olaseni](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/gabe-olaseni/006600/) likely to be at the center of everything good. Perhaps the biggest factor that could swing Game 2 is how well Matt Morgan gets on, with London’s leading scorer netting just 2 points in Game 2. If he can get going on offense, that should make his teammates' lives a lot easier. **My pick: London.**

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">ANOTHER SELL OUT! 🎟️🦁<br><br>It’s a full house at <a href="https://twitter.com/CopperBoxArena?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CopperBoxArena</a> for tomorrow’s <a href="https://twitter.com/EuroCup?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@EuroCup</a> semifinal game 2 vs <a href="https://twitter.com/ParisBasketball?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ParisBasketball</a>! 🔥🍿<br><br>🆚 Lions vs <a href="https://twitter.com/ParisBasketball?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ParisBasketball</a> <br>📆 TOMORROW<br>⏰ 7:30pm <br>📍 <a href="https://twitter.com/CopperBoxArena?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CopperBoxArena</a> <br><br>Make some noise for your Lions! 🗣️<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WeAreLondon?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WeAreLondon</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RoadToGreatness?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RoadToGreatness</a> <a href="https://t.co/iaa1SP67fQ">pic.twitter.com/iaa1SP67fQ</a></p>&mdash; London Lions (@LondonLions) <a href="https://twitter.com/LondonLions/status/1773313920293294089?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 28, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

### Paris seals EuroCup Finals ticket

#### *by Javier Gancedo*

One may think that it took Paris two overtimes to beat London at the Copper Box in its last visit and that the Lions now a feature natural-born mismatch in David Nwaba. The truth is that Paris is also a much better basketball team than a few months ago; aggressive and focused on defense, and with two difference-makers in T.J. Shorts and [Nadir Hifi](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/nadir-hifi/012640/). It is the whole team's discipline on defense that allowed Paris play its free-flowing basketball on offense. Paris has been rock-solid until now and should get its 20th win of the season, a special one, punching its ticket to its first-ever EuroCup Finals. **My pick: Paris**.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Job not done yet. The Marathon Continues 🏁 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TMC?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TMC</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/TjShorts5?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@TjShorts5</a> <a href="https://t.co/UirMVvttR6">pic.twitter.com/UirMVvttR6</a></p>&mdash; Paris Basketball (@ParisBasketball) <a href="https://twitter.com/ParisBasketball/status/1772928958222286940?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 27, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

### London bounces back, barely

#### *by Frank Lawlor*

Playoffs are all about adjusting game to game, and London boss Petar Bozic had plenty experience as a point guard in continental battles like this. First, his team needs to rebound a lot better than in Game 1. If that happens, a stop-and-start tempo will help. Remember, Besiktas won in Paris this season 63-68, holding a  record-pace scoring team to an incredible 35 points below its average. London won't need the same blueprint, just to borrow from it by maximizing the shot clock when necessary and getting physical inside, all to keep the ball out of the hands of T.J. Shorts. Rebounding and dominating the clock will level the playing field, after which London can compete. On this night, at least. **My pick: London.**

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">“We’ve worked hard all year to get to this point…” 🗣️ <a href="https://twitter.com/Conormorgan09?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Conormorgan09</a> <br><br>Conor Morgan on tomorrow’s <a href="https://twitter.com/EuroCup?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@EuroCup</a> semifinal, game two! <br><br>It’s all to play for… bring the noise, Lions fans! 🗣️🦁<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WeAreLondon?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WeAreLondon</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RoadToGreatness?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RoadToGreatness</a> <a href="https://t.co/FNzsIxIvuq">pic.twitter.com/FNzsIxIvuq</a></p>&mdash; London Lions (@LondonLions) <a href="https://twitter.com/LondonLions/status/1773430232529162255?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 28, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

### Paris takes care of business

#### *by Frankie Sachs*

The London Lions looked good at times in Game 1. Really good. Yet that wasn’t enough to threaten the best team in the EuroCup. And Copper Box Arena is not enough to make up the 13-point difference. Paris is now 3-0 against London this season and has won in London both this season and last. Will it be close? Probably. Does London have a shot? Sure. Do I expect the Lions to win? No. I think Paris takes care of business in an entertaining game and starts its preparations to host Game 1 of the 2024 EuroCup Finals. **My pick: Paris**.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">EURO SEMIFINAL GAME DAY! 🦁🔥<br><br>🏆 <a href="https://twitter.com/EuroCup?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@EuroCup</a> semifinal game 1️⃣<br>🆚 <a href="https://twitter.com/ParisBasketball?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ParisBasketball</a> <br>⏰ 7:45pm GMT<br>📍 Adidas Arena<br>📺 <a href="https://twitter.com/tntsports?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@tntsports</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WeAreLondon?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WeAreLondon</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RoadToGreatness?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RoadToGreatness</a> <a href="https://t.co/R6dE7oulMi">pic.twitter.com/R6dE7oulMi</a></p>&mdash; London Lions (@LondonLions) <a href="https://twitter.com/LondonLions/status/1772571214067782018?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 26, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Check out the Game 2 predictions from EuroCupbasketball.com staff members.

Semifinals predictions: Game 2, Paris vs. London

Several trends have emerged in the BKT EuroCup Semifinals that could shape the action moving forward.

Stats review: Trends to watch in Game 2

### **Besiktas Emlakjet Istanbul vs. Mincidelice JL Bourg en Bresse**

##### *Screeners*

Bourg's roll men poured in a season-high 17 points in Game 1 as Bodian Massa made the most of his touches whenever Besiktas repeatedly brought two defenders to the ball. His ability to make jumpers off short rolls from the free throw line proved especially useful and was a big reason Bourg was able to establish the first-half margin that they held the rest of the way.

#### *Rim protection*

Bourg held Besiktas to 10-for-18 shooting around the rim in half-court situations but conceded 13 points in free throws via the fouls they committed around the rim. Besiktas held Bourg to 12-for-23 shooting and 7 points on resulting free throws. Both teams did a very good job protecting the rim, but how they balance that with their physicality could be a point of interest as they combined to shoot 63 free throws in Game 1.

#### *Besiktas's backcourt*

Besiktas got a season-low 2 points from its ball handlers off pick-and-rolls in Game 1. While that clearly effected the outcome – with some credit is due to Bourg's defense, especially Jequan Lewis – Besiktas had finished third in the regular season in ball handler scoring in the two-man game. It would seem the Turkish team is due for a regression to the mean in Game 2. The aggressiveness of Derek Needham, Jonah Mathews and Kyle Allman is a big reason that Besiktas has had such a strong campaign. The last time they struggled similarly together, a couple months ago, they came back to combine on 28.5 points per game out of ball screens alone over the next two games.

 

This marks uncharted territory for both teams. Besiktas will try to become the third straight Turkish team to reach the finals, whilst Bourg seeks to become the first French finalist since Strasbourg in 2016, but which will gain the advantage in the opening encounter?

Mincidelice JL Bourg en Bresse-Besiktas Emlakjet Istanbul | Semifinals Game 1 Highlights | 2023-24 BKT EuroCup

### **London Lions vs. Paris Basketball**

#### *Pick-and-rolls*

In Game 1, Paris generated 56 points over 48 possessions used by their ball handlers or created by their passes out of pick-and-rolls. Both the most prolific and efficient ball-screen offense in the EuroCup, Paris exceeded its 57% conversion rate in such situations during the regular by boosting that figure to 70% in Game 1. London's ability to find answers guarding the ball figures to be critical to any chance of extending this series to a third game.

#### *Full-court pressure*

Few teams anywhere in professional basketball defend in the back court as often as Paris. In Game 1, they pressed for 25 possessions, in line with their season averages, and forced 9 turnovers from those possessions. Nearly all those turnovers occurred after London had already broken the press and started its half-court offense. At the same time, when not turning the ball over, London shot 69% in those situations. Facing pressure or not, how London takes care of the ball is key considering that its reserves turned the ball over 10 times in Game 1.

#### *Paint points*

London produced 66 points while shooting a stellar 66% around the rim in Game 1. While the Lions shot exceptionally well around the rim all year, that is 15 more points per game than their season average. David Nwaba played a key role in those efforts, scoring 22 of his 26 points in the lane. How consistently this offense can put pressure on the rim figures to be an x-factor against a Paris defense whose priorities lie elsewhere.

Several trends have emerged in the BKT EuroCup Semifinals that could shape the action moving forward.

 

Semifinals predictions: Game 2, Bourg vs. Besiktas

The best-of-three BKT EuroCup Semifinals feature an intriguing showdown between Mincidelice JL Bourg en Bresse and Besiktas Emlakjet Istanbul.

### Besiktas to force Game 3

#### *by Geoff Gillingham*

Besiktas blew hot and cold at home this year, going 5-3 in Istanbul in the regular season (it played one game in Slovenia, a contest it lost), but it will have a new home for one night only as thousands of fans flock to Sinan Erdem Sports Hall, Anadolu Efes Istanbul’s 16,000-seater arena. Given that Besiktas’s BJK Emlakjet Sports & Event Hall can hold just 3,200 fans, Bourg can expect quite the atmosphere when it takes to the floor on Friday evening. I think that the Besiktas players, namely [Angel Delgado](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/angel-delgado/012647/) and [Jonah Mathews](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/jonah-mathews/011936/), will rise to the occasion and send the series back to France for a do-or-die Game 3. **My pick: Besiktas.**

### Bourg will pass the Istanbul test

#### *by Igor Petrinovic*

Bourg displayed just how tough that team is in Game 1. It had 2 more turnovers, 1 fewer rebound and just 1 assist more than its rival, Besiktas. Still, Bourg spent the great majority of the final three quarters with a double-digit lead. In Istanbul, Bourg will face an atmosphere it has not encountered the entire season, a test against an opponent with its back against the wall. I think Bourg passes another test with flying colors and sweeps its way into the EuroCup Finals. **My pick: Bourg.**

### Bourg gets out the broom

#### *by Frank Lawlor*

Good as its home record is, 10-1 and counting, Bourg is on the brink of the finals thanks to its last two road wins, low-scoring, late-regular-season tests at Turk Telekom Ankara and Aris Midea Thessaloniki, teams with raucous crowds then surging toward postseason qualification. Bourg was unfazed, just as I expect it will be on Friday against Besiktas's even bigger crowd. Bourg learned resilience from lacking it last season, and has won with an even temperament throughout this one. This team knows itself and knows what it will take to win on Friday. **My pick: Bourg.**

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="fr" dir="ltr">La mission continue à Istanbul 🇹🇷<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WeRedy?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WeRedy</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RoadToGreatness?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RoadToGreatness</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/EuroCup?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@EuroCup</a> <a href="https://t.co/o4ode9Dscf">pic.twitter.com/o4ode9Dscf</a></p>&mdash; JL Bourg Basket (@JLBourgBasket) <a href="https://twitter.com/JLBourgBasket/status/1773340755521610178?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 28, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

### Besiktas ties the series

#### *by Javier Gancedo*

Friday is going to be a very special night for Besiktas as it hosts Game 2 of its semifinals series against Bourg in front of a sellout crowd at Sinan Erdem Sports Hall. Bourg will be walking into an atmosphere of noisy opposition that it's not used to. In its only other game at Sinan Erdem this season, Besiktas edged Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul 68-64 in Turkish League action. In Game 1, [Matt Mitchell](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/matthew-mitchell/012622/), [Derek Needham](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/derek-needham/008945/) and Jonah Mathews combined for a PIR of -8 at halftime. That is unlikely to happen again. Angel Delgado gives Besiktas a clear advantage in the paint, and head coach Dusan Alimpijevic is all about capitalizing on those. **My pick: Besiktas**.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="tr" dir="ltr">Haydi kalk ayağa! 🦅 Yürü 𝘇𝐚𝐟𝐞𝐫𝐞. 👊 <a href="https://t.co/bE5wdughCb">pic.twitter.com/bE5wdughCb</a></p>&mdash; Beşiktaş Emlakjet (@BJK_Basketbol) <a href="https://twitter.com/BJK_Basketbol/status/1773439924534124896?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 28, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

### Bourg’s depth sends it onward

#### *by Frankie Sachs*

Not to toot my own horn too much, but did you notice how spot on my Game 1 prediction was? Bourg by a dozen! And the final score was 86-74… It won’t be as easy this time, but nonetheless I expect a Bourg win and series sweep. Why you ask? Bourg won the opener despite a lukewarm showing by [Zaccharie Risacher](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/zaccharie-risacher/010718/) and a quiet day from [Hugo Benitez](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/hugo-benitez/010449/). No one on the team had freak performance that cannot be repeated. Meanwhile, Besiktas center Angel Delgado dominated the paint and I expect Bourg to arrive better prepared to contain him. It should be much closer than Game 1, but… **My pick: Bourg**

SEMIFINALS

The best-of-three BKT EuroCup Semifinals resume on Friday after the home teams won the openers on Tuesday. Will they continue on for a sweep or will we move on to deciding Game 3s next week?

Game Center: Visiting Bourg, Paris knocking on finals door

[Besiktas Emlakjet Istanbul 81-72 Mincidelice JL Bourg en Bresse](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/game-center/2023-24/besiktas-emlakjet-istanbul-mincidelice-jl-bourg-en-bresse/U2023/192/)

Besiktas followed the inspiration of 15,000-plus fans to wrestle a 81-72 victory from visiting Bourg and force their BKT EuroCup Semifinals series to a third, do-or-die game next week in France. After a tense first half with 12 lead changes, Besiktas trailed 32-39 soon after halftime at the raucous Sinan Erdem Dome before reeling off an 11-0 run that changed the game for good. The lead reached a high of 73-58 with 5 minutes left before Besiktas closed it out. Jonah Mathews and Matthew Mitchell led five double-digit scores for Besiktas with 17 points each. Angel Delgado added 13 points, Derek Needham 12 and Marko Simonovic 11 for the winners. Isiaha Mike led Bourg with 19 points. 

<center><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">GAME 3 IT IS ⌛️<a href="https://twitter.com/BJK_Basketbol?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BJK_Basketbol</a> beats Bourg in G2 <a href="https://t.co/xpgM1Pz1QD">pic.twitter.com/xpgM1Pz1QD</a></p>&mdash; BKT EuroCup (@EuroCup) <a href="https://twitter.com/EuroCup/status/1773802379118366759?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 29, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> 

[London Lions 85-93 Paris Basketball](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/game-center/2023-24/london-lions-paris-basketball/U2023/191/)

Paris reached the BKT EuroCup Final after an 85-93 win at London Lions sealed a 2-0 sweep of their best-of-three semifinal series on Friday. The French advances to face either compatriots Mincidelice JL Bourg en Bresse or Besiktas Emlakjet Istanbul, who are tied 1-1. Following an emphatic 99-86 victory on its home court in Game 1 , Paris fought back from a 45-39 halftime deficit at the Copper Box Arena and prevailed thanks to ironclad defense coupled with smooth offense in the second half. TJ Shorts paced Paris with 21 points and 6 assists, while Nadir Hifi and Sebastian Herrera posted 13 each. Justin Simon scored 11 points and Collin Malcolm chipped in with 10, as Paris overcame a poor first half in which it was out-muscled and committed 14 turnovers. Matt Morgan led London and all scorers with a game-high 25 points and Jordan Taylor added 17

<center><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">We know one team that will definitely be in the Finals, <a href="https://twitter.com/ParisBasketball?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ParisBasketball</a> 👏 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RoadToGreatness?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RoadToGreatness</a> <a href="https://t.co/r3KrzejuUe">pic.twitter.com/r3KrzejuUe</a></p>&mdash; BKT EuroCup (@EuroCup) <a href="https://twitter.com/EuroCup/status/1773832611321823348?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 29, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> 

Game Center: Paris sweeps to finals! Besiktas forces Game 3!

The British side aim to reach giddy heights on the court and to promote basketball in the United Kingdom, says the club’s GM Brett Burman

London Lions are on a mission to build a lasting legacy

Great Britain is seldom associated with basketball, as more traditional sports in that part of the world such as soccer, rugby and cricket have the undivided attention of the vast majority of fans. The London Lions, a franchise which was founded under a different guise in 1977 and moved between Hemel Hempstead, Watford and Milton Keynes before returning to England's capital and becoming the 'London Lions' in 2012, is fast becoming a top-level basketball trailblazer in the United Kingdom thanks to rapid success in the BKT EuroCup over the past two years.

The Lions reached the eighthfinals in their first season in the competition last year and have become this term’s surprise package as they romped into the EuroCup’s last four. Brett Burman, the club’s general manager, takes pride in the fact that the team’s roster is packed with British talent, emphasizing the importance of the club’s effort to help expand the local basketball picture.

“One of the cores when we were putting the team together was to captivate a London basketball community and at the same time craft together a team that can be competitive,” Burman, a native of Miami, Florida, and a former basketball coach, tells [euroleague.net](http://euroleague.net) in an exclusive interview.

### The big stage has brought out London's best

Speaking ahead of Game 1 of London's EuroCup best-of-three semifinal series against Paris Basketball, Burman emphasized that a number of tried-and-tested British players plying their trade across Europe were drawn to the club’s program by an exciting and challenging first year on the big stage.

“Starting from last year, we’ve had guys like [Tarik Phillip](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/tarik-phillip/009649/), [Josh Sharma](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/josh-sharma/012020/), [Luke Nelson](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/luke-nelson/004773/), [Mo Soluade](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/mo-soluade/004479/), [Kareem Queeley](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/kareem-queeley/008274/), with the emphasis being to build a pillar that will represent the team not just on the European stage but also on the domestic stage as well,” Burman says. “This year we added [Gabe Olaseni](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/gabe-olaseni/006600/) and [Conor Morgan](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/conor-morgan/009680/), who both saw what was happening last year and wanted to be a part of it. Last year was the infancy stage with a lot of people asking questions, like what the team was going to be about and how competitive it was going to be.

“It all steamrolled into this season, with British players who showcased their potential across Europe realizing that this is the place to be. Their arrival has given us huge momentum in building this organization on and off the court.”

With some quality American performers helping carry the team, namely [Sam Dekker](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/sam-dekker/009672/), [David Nwaba](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/david-nwaba/012797/), [Matt Morgan](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/matthew-morgan/012585/), [Donte Grantham](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/donte-grantham/012586/) and [Jordan Taylor](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/jordan-taylor/005247/), the current season saw the Lions raise the bar after the arrival of Serbian head coach [Petar Bozic](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/teams/london-lions/lli/bozic-petar/), who has set new standards and guided the team to an unprecedented level in European competition.

The Lions became the first British club to reach the semifinals in European competition and Burman stressed how vital Bozic’s role has been in that impressive run.

### Bozic has molded an unselfish squad

“Coach Bozic has been huge for us,” Burman states. “We’ve had tons of changes this season in terms of starting lineups as well as players in and out of the roster due to injuries. He’s made the players realize that their roles are going to evolve over the course of the season because of the situational needs and everyone has embraced that.

“We’ve now got a lot of versatility and adjustment, which is where the coach has been phenomenal. The guys are playing for each other because they care about each other. He’s all in and the players can see that – it’s a huge credit to him and his staff.”

Olaseni, a versatile center who is a handful for the opposition at both ends of the court, has been particularly impressive by averaging 15.8 points and 7.6 rebounds per game with an index rating of 20.8, prompting Burman to predict that the 32-year-old should be ranked among the EuroCup’s top performers come the end of the season.

“Gabe has had a huge impact and his numbers tell a story,” Burman highlights. “Gabe is productive and he’s established himself as a guy who makes winning plays. He brings a silent form of leadership every single day and I am sure he will be named in the All-EuroCup First or Second Team this season.”

EuroLeague Diaries landed in the capital and largest city in the United Kingdom to witness first-hand the growth of the game of basketball in London.

EuroLeague Diaries | London

### Lions and the Copper Box are a perfect match

The Lions have benefited from a fabulous atmosphere in their Copper Box Arena, where capacity crowds have turned up regularly to support the team in the EuroCup. A growing contingent of local fans have continuously mingled happily with rival supporters, and Burman is confident another sellout crowd will turn up for Friday’s Game 2 against Paris. The French team, which finished head and shoulders above its rivals in the regular season with a 17-1 record, [prevailed 99-86 on its home court in Game 1](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/news/paris-outguns-london-in-game-1-99-86/) after the Lions had made the brighter start.

“The fans have done a great job this year,” Burman says. “We are an environment based on an entertainment model, with people coming to our games knowing that they are going to have a good time. Good music, good vibes and they see what we are doing on the court, too.

“It’s almost assured we’re going to have a sellout crowd on Friday and the atmosphere is going to be electrifying. It’s not just traditional basketball fans we are trying to entice, but the entire sports community, too, as there are people coming to a game for the first time. That’s the objective – to bring new fans every single time, people who have never been to a basketball game before.”

### Grassroots mindset is the key

Burman acknowledged a consistent run of success in European competition as well as on the domestic stage, with reigning champion London atop the British Basketball League standings on a 29-3 record, was instrumental in the club’s effort to achieve the primary objective of putting basketball firmly on the map of valued sports in the United Kingdom.

“Our priority is to grow the game here in London and the United Kingdom,” Burman explains. “The number one goal is to entice kids who will want to become the next Luke Nelson or Gabe Olaseni when they turn on the television to watch a Lions game.

“We want to make basketball accessible in the UK and from a basketball standpoint, it is also critical to have a successful club because we’re in the infancy stage of what we are trying to achieve. We’re in our second year in the EuroCup and we want to build a program which guys will want to play for. It’s huge for us to show that there is a path.”

With AS Monaco entering the playoffs and securing one of the two available EuroCup spots for next season’s Turkish Airlines EuroLeague, there’s only one place left for those knocking on the door of the top continental club competition without having a prior presence in it.

The four teams in the BKT EuroCup Semifinals can make their EuroLeague dreams come true and Mincidelice JL Bourg en Bresse is the most unexpected case of the four.

[MORE...](https://www.eurohoops.net/en/trademarks/1650735/bourg-entering-the-euroleague-an-extraordinary-case/)

With the home-court advantage in the semifinals and a team capable of making it to the top, Bourg can earn a EuroLeague ticket and write a unique history

Bourg entering the EuroLeague: An extraordinary case

Paris Basketball grabbed its 19th win in 20 games, downing the London Lions 99-86 at Adidas Arenas in Game 1 of their best-of-three semifinal series on Tuesday. Once again, its backcourt stars delivered at the right time. 


Paris's backcourt strikes again 

Paris Basketball grabbed its 19th win in 20 games by downing the London Lions 99-86 at Adidas Arenas in Game 1 of their best-of-three semifinal series on Tuesday. Once again, its backcourt stars delivered at the right time. 

London did a very good job at the beginning of the game, playing aggressive against T.J. Shorts and using Tarik Phillip to take him out of his comfort zone. Shorts was held scoreless in the opening 8 minutes and even had a rare, early trip to the bench midway through the first quarter, when London led 8-11.

Paris head coach Tuomas Iisalo quickly went to Plan B, running his offense through electric combo guard Nadir Hifi, who had 9 first-quarter points to keep his team in the game. When Shorts finally found his rhythm, getting a couple of baskets late in the first quarter, Paris led 30-27.

"We were not very good in the beginning," Coach Iisalo said after the game. "We allowed them to play with their strengths, it is a very dangerous team overall and we saw a lot of firepower on the floor from both teams today."

After a close first half, Paris took off in the third quarter with outstanding defense and its superstar guard and MVP front runner completely on fire. Shorts had 11 points in the third quarter, and 9 in a 14-0 run that bridged between the halves and broke the game open, 66-49. London made a final push early in the fourth quarter but Hifi scored 8 points in the final 3 minutes to make sure Paris kept a safe lead until the final buzzer.

Nadir Hifi and T.J. Shorts led Paris Basketball to a 99-84 home win over the London Lions in Game 1 of the BKT EuroCup semifinals.

Hifi, Shorts combine for 45 points in Game 1

"It is typical for modern basketball: a 20-point lead, even at that point, after three quarters, is not safe at all because of the three-point shots, because of the pace of the game," Coach Iisalo said. "You saw London make another push into the game, so we will need a more solid 40 minutes on Friday to close the series."

Shorts finished the game with 23 points, 6 rebounds, 7 assists and 3 steals. Hifi added 22 points off the bench in 23 minutes.

Paris limited London to 2-of-15 field-goal shooting in the third quarter. It held London's top scorer Matt Morgan to 2 points on a pair of free throws and a missed two-point attempt in 24 minutes. London got a strong contribution from David Nwaba, who had 24 points in his first-ever game against Paris. Shorts knows London has a lot of room for improvement and is already thinking about Game 2.

"It is one game. We know that now we have to go to London. It took us two overtimes to win over there \[in the regular season\]," Shorts said. "That's a tough place to play, they are a good team at home and I know it is going to be a packed crowd. We don't have any time to really digest this one. We are going to dive right into the film probably tomorrow and get ready for the next game."

Paris has a chance to close the series at the Copper Box in the English capital, where London is 4-5 this season. Game 2 is scheduled for Friday at 20:30 CET.

Guards T.J. Shorts and Nadir Hifi combined for 45 points, 9 assists and 5 steals in the semifinals' opener

Paris's backcourt struck again in Game 1

Paris Basketball v London Lions (2024-03-26T19:45:00.000Z)