“I’m really happy to get the win, it’s a great way to end the first half of the season. We’ve never won the WBBL Cup, so it’s really nice to win some silverware and the group really deserves it. The crowd means everything to us, it’s so important to the game” – Lions coach Mark Clark
Last update: 01/30/22 3:20 p.m.
London Lions proved far too strong for Newcastle Eagles in Sunday’s WBBL Cup final
The London Lions have won the 2022 WBBL Cup after beating Newcastle Eagles 87-47 in the final at Birmingham’s Utilita Arena in front of an incredible crowd of 6,188 and those watching live. sky sports.
Azania Stewart was named MVP after dominating the showpiece event at both ends of the court. The Lions center scored 20 points in an imposing display, contributing one assist and six rebounds.
There was to be a new name on the WBBL Cup as both teams contested their first final in the history of the competition and it was a historic occasion for the Lions as they claimed glory in a grand occasion at Birmingham.
After the two teams traded points early on, the Lions took over the game with a dominating display throughout. Cassie Breen played throughout the first half and was the top Lioness with nine points to her name.
After an entertaining first half, the Lions found themselves in a dominant position at the break leading by 21 points. Both teams continued to entertain the crowd in the third quarter, but it was the Lions who took control of the final as they continued to stretch their score.
A crowd of over 6,000 received 48 extra points in the final quarter of the game, and despite being on the losing side, Maddy McVicar played for the Eagles, with 16 points. Meanwhile, MVP Stewart continued to show his class.
Winning head coach Mark Clark was delighted with his team’s performance on the big stage, saying: “I’m really happy to have gotten the win, it’s a great way to end the first half of the I think Newcastle did a great job and they did really well to get to the final, we are really happy to have won this game.
“We’ve never won the WBBL Cup before so it’s really nice to pick up some silverware and the group really deserves it. The crowd means everything to us, it’s so important for the game.”
MVP Stewart said: “I think any of our teams could have won, this afternoon my team really found me and put me in positions to be successful. I feel like we worked if hard, it’s a great afternoon and I’m really really proud.”
On a record-breaking afternoon in Birmingham, WBBL chairman Jim Saker said: “It was an absolutely fantastic competition between two great teams and many congratulations to the London Lions for lifting the Cup. BBL this afternoon.
“Today’s game was a great showcase for British basketball and more to highlight the progress of the WBBL and women’s basketball as a whole.
“It was exceptional to see such incredible support from the crowd at our first major event since the pandemic began and I hope what they saw inspires them to attend and follow others. WBBL matches in the future.”
