Ashley tips Royals to reign

ASHLEY HAMILTON says London City Royals are ready for their first-ever BBL semi-final.

The Royals became the latest franchise to join the BBL in the summer and have already managed to make it to the last four of the BBL Trophy, where they face Glasgow Rocks. They host the first leg tonight at Crystal Palace and are unbeaten at home in the league in their debut campaign.

“We are proud of the streak at home,” said Hamilton (left).

“It’s important to give our fans something to cheer about. We are a new club without any type of history. Creating an environment which is tough to play in is good for us and good for the league.”

City climbed to fourth place in the league following two wins over the weekend to take their current hot streak to six in all competitions. “The team is in a good place,” added the former GB forward, 30. “Winning is always a positive thing, especially when you get consecutive victories.”

The second leg takes place on Sunday at the Emirates Arena in Glasgow and will be shown live on the BBC Sport website.

Meanwhile, London Lions beat Manchester Giants 101-74 away in the first leg of the other semi-final with the tie to be decided on Thursday night at the Copper Box Arena.