The first week of EuroLeague Women’s second round provided a glimpse of what to expect from Group E and F as the competition continues. Of the six opening games of the second round, three were decided by four points or less. This made for some exciting games, albeit with largely expected outcomes.
Fenerbahçe, Mersin survive close calls
Fenerbahçe looked mortal for the first time this season.
With six minutes left on the game clock, Praha was up 64-63 thanks to another solid game by Brionna Jones, who ended up with 19 points and nine boards. The performance was another example of why she’s been the most dependable player on Praha’s roster, which includes new Golden State Valkyrie Maria Conde, the November EuroLeague MVP, who struggled against the reigning champs, shooting just 18 percent from the floor. On the other side of the court, another MVP candidate, Emma Meesseman, also was struggling, as she made just 33 percent of her shots and dished out two assists, but she was still able to grab nine boards.
Despite a bad shooting day, it was Meesseman’s two late makes that put her team up for good, while her teammates’ defensive play forced crucial turnovers and allowed Fenerbahçe to escape with a win and remain undefeated. Tina Charles led the defending champs with 18 points, while game MVP Gabby Williams had 14 points, five boards, four assists and four steals.
Perfumerias Avenida also had the Turkish vice-champs on the ropes, as ÇBK Mersin won by just two points to maintain their perfect record. Despite another impressive performance by Yvonne Anderson for Mersin—21 points, five boards and four dimes—the score remained close. In the last minute of the game Anderson drew two crucial fouls and drained all four free throws, keeping the unbeaten streak alive.
Slocum lifts Landes over Bourges
Destiny Slocum was already turning heads with her long-distance shooting last season for UNI Győr. The Hungarians are no longer in the competition, while Slocum moved to France in the summer and was an integral part of Basket Landes making it to the second round of group play. In the game between two French teams, she scored 14 points, 12 of which came from 3-point land.
The talented shooter also drained two free throws with five seconds left on the game clock. Bourges had just scored a big 3, leaving Landes up 74-71. After inbounding the ball, Slocum was able to draw a foul. She went to the line, made both shots and the win was pretty much secure. Morgan Green managed to get a quick layup for Bourges, but there simply wasn’t enough time to tie the game. Basket Landes are now 5-2 and remain one of the more compelling underdog stories of the season.
Week 7 scores
Group E
Fenerbahçe Opet (7-0) 75, ZVVZ USK Praha (4-3) 71
Casademont Zaragoza (4-2) 64, Umana Reyer Venezia (3-3) 56
Valencia Basket Club (6-1) 66, KGHM BC Polkowice (1-6) 56
Group F
Basket Landes (5-2) 76, Tango Bourges Basket (4-3) 73
Žabiny Brno (2-5) 68, Beretta Famila Schio (5-2) 76
ÇBK Mersin (7-0) 75, Perfumerias Avenida (3-4) 73
