Lions roar back to make it an historic night, but funding issue could tear team apart

LONDON LIONS became the first British team in basketball history to win a major European trophy as they overturned a first-leg deficit to defeat Besiktas in the Women's EuroCup Final last night.

- Matt Majendie

The British outfit had begun the second leg 75-68 behind and were still trailing in the dying moments of the game before a three-pointer from Holly Winterburn and two free throws from Megan Gustafson sealed an 81-70 victory on the night and an aggregate win of 149-145.

But the night was partly soured by the fact that the team are unlikely to be able to defend that title, after owners 777 Partners, the prospective buyer of Everton Football Club, said it was scaling back its spending on the women's team next season.

The news looks likely to see a major break-up of a team which won all 14 of their domestic matches during the course of the season before capping it with European glory.