Dynamo Kursk and Fenerbahce deny a slice of opening night history

MUNICH (Germany) - The EuroLeague Women Regular Season curtain was raised on Wednesday night and both Dynamo Kursk and Fenerbahce ensured there was no headline-making history made.

Dynamo Kursk denied EuroLeague Women debutantes LDLC ASVEL Feminin victory with a stunning last quarter paving the way for a 79-64 success.

Dewanna Bonner and Natalia Zhedik were the main architects of the win as they shot brilliantly and contributed 19 and 18 points respectively, while Helena Ciak amassed 14 points in defeat against her former club.

Spar Citylift Girona were dreaming of victory in their first outing in the tournament, but were undone 86-82 by Fenerbahce. Newly installed Spanish playcaller Victor Lapena got off to a a winning start for the Istanbul giants, who nervously survived a gutsy Girona fightback.

Alina Iagupova sparkled on her Fenerbahce debut in the competition, racking up 22 points and 8 assists, while Italian ace Cecilia Zandalasini posted 21 points. The loss was harsh on Magali Mendy, who dropped a fine 24 points for Girona.

Fresh from their success in the Qualifiers, Reyer Venezia recorded their first EuroLeague Women Regular Season win in a decade as they left Bourges Basket reeling by completing a memorable 73-63 victory. It was built on a team effort, with Laura Macchi, Elisa Penna, Anete Steinberga and Maddelena Gorini all inking double-digit scoring returns. 

ZVVZ USK Praha had their preparation affected by injuries and absences, but it didn't deny them a 73-66 road win at TTT Riga as their big-hitters returned to action. Alyssa Thomas and Valeriane Ayayi shared 34 points.

Sopron Basket shrugged off concerns in some quarters that a change of coach and key personnel during the off-season would impact their search for a third consecutive Final Four, but the signs after game one are good. They outlasted BLMA 66-53 on French soil, boosted by Jelena Brooks back from maternity leave and weighing in with 16 points and 10 rebounds. 

Last but not least, defending champions UMMC Ekaterinburg may have left more questions than answers about their opening night show after they labored their way past Castors Braine 87-79. They had led by as many as 24 points, but Braine showed resilience after the break. Maria Vadeeva stood out for UMMC with 22 points and 10 rebounds, as did Brittney Griner with 20 points and 8 boards.

FIBA