Torrens time, Sloot showing out, Powers high point and returning Palau headline our top 10
MUNICH (EuroLeague Women) – Alba Torrens and Courtney Vandersloot showing their star power, Aerial Powers hitting a season-high and the returningLaia Palau dominate this week's top 10 talking points.
MUNICH (EuroLeague Women) – Alba Torrens and Courtney Vandersloot showing their star power, Aerial Powers hitting a season-high and the returning Laia Palau dominate this week's top 10 EuroLeague Women talking points.
1.Torrens taking over for UMMC
Alba Torrens - those handles 🙌🙌🙌🙌 ❤️ #EuroLeagueWomen pic.twitter.com/hfL8xs86dr
— Paul Nilsen (@basketmedia365) January 3, 2018
Showtime arrived early for UMMC fans as Alba Torrens reminded everyone that there was no need to shed tears for the departed Diana Taurasi and injured Nika Baric, or get too occupied counting down the days until the arrival of Maya Moore. She produced the joint-highest score of the season with a spectacular 30 points against Yakin Dogu Universitesi and a string of great plays [although that was passed later in the day by Aerial Powers]. But was the biggest talking point not what happens when Moore does arrive and whether Alba will be back with a shadow over her again? After all, they play a similar role...
2. Vandersloot shows out with those 16 assists
This is why @Sloot22 is one of my favorite players and has 9⃣ assists by half-time!!! Most guards would have passed or travelled - the brilliant patience for the beautiful backdoor pass - absolutely 😍 this play! A class act #EuroLeagueWomen pic.twitter.com/5ySSAWBkJ7
— Paul Nilsen (@basketmedia365) January 3, 2018
The previous individual game-high for assists this season was 11 and the leading playmaker in the tournament absolutely smashed it with 16. She also completed a double-double having scored 15 points for Yakin Dogu Universitesi. We can't wait to see the performance compilation. Oh and how many better players have not worn a senior USA vest? Also, will the USA rue not having the naturalized Hungarian as an option at the 2018 FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup?
3. That BLMA and Fenerbahce OT game and Powers hitting the high tide mark
Some incredible games today and great adverts for #EuroLeagueWomen and the women's game! Also great displays - including a stellar 31 points and 11 boards from @aerial_powers23 for @Fenerbahce pic.twitter.com/ahe3vXshGI
— Paul Nilsen (@basketmedia365) January 3, 2018
What a match-up this was as BLMA suffered the heartache of a narrow overtime loss against Fenerbahce – with the French side coming so close to a major upset. It was Aerial Powers who shot the lights out for Fenerbahce with the highest individual score of the season so far after plundering 31 points (prior to fouling out). It was vital too, since her team had been down by double-digits. Talking of lights, the power outage in the venue with just 26 seconds remaining, only added to the drama and tension!
4. The legendary Palau is back in the tournament!
So Laia Palau an @EuroLeagueWomen playmaking #GOAT is back after signing with @BourgesBasket - so that means not only #EuroLeagueWomen but now also the #FIBAWWC with @baloncestofeb ? Si Correcto @Lmondelo ? 😀 pic.twitter.com/noYr8N6381
— Paul Nilsen (@basketmedia365) January 4, 2018
Having seemingly retired following the 2017 Final Four, Laia Palau has made an emotional return to the competition after signing with Bourges Basket until the end of the season! Welcome back to one of the true EuroLeague Women greats!
5. Quigley makes return to the hardwood
They may have lost and find themselves on a downward spiral at 4-6 after another defeat, but the season of Galatasaray is surely destined to pick up now that Allie Quigley has finally got back onto the court after a lengthy spell sidelined with an injury. Yes, they could not beat Bourges, but as Quigley gets back to full fitness and form, that is a great thing for Galatasaray fans and also the many neutrals who just love to watch her game.
6. Ayayi showing her true potential to put plateau fears behind her
Having expressed concern that this could be the defining season of the entire career of Valeriane Ayayi, the winger has come alive in the past month with some huge numbers to propel Bourges to four straight wins. Her near triple-double was evidence that she can be a top-level player. Now she needs to maintain this level for the rest of the campaign.
7. Hanusova hopping back into action
It was not only Allie Quigley who made a return from injury this week: don't underestimate the importance of ZVVZ USK Praha getting forward Alena Hansuova back from injury too. She gives them a whole lot more in transition, defense and an added perimeter threat. At 6-4, they can now potentially push onwards and upwards.
8. Performance of the Week
It has to be Wisla CANPACK for their hard-fought 52-48 win against a hard-nosed Perfumerias Avenida side as they doubled their win tally for the season. EuroCup Women now beckons? Possibly.
9. Cameo Performance of the week for Emma Meesseman
She only scored 8 points for UMMC in their win against Yakin Dogu Universitesi, but she showed how even elite layers can be unselfish and efficient when needed - for the sake of the team. A super player in her own right, she shot the ball just 6 times in 32 minutes which spoke volumes as she helped contain a dangerous opposing frontcourt.
10. Dynamo Kursk punching that first Quarter-Finals ticket
.@KurskBasket defend their homecourt against @WBSopron on Game Day 10 of the #EuroLeagueWomen 🙌!
— EuroLeague Women (@EuroLeagueWomen) January 4, 2018
📊 https://t.co/1VvcZCwr7i pic.twitter.com/29xBMHQ8uM
Well what do you expect from the reigning champions who never lost in the whole of 2017? They are 10-0 this time around after sweeping past Sopron Basket and the first team to make the Top 8! Who will join them?
All of our talking points are selected by our women’s basketball specialist Paul Nilsen. You can follow him @basketmedia365
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