Fenerbahce star Williams fends off Bourges, Nadezhda win thriller at ASVEL

MUNICH (Germany) - Fenerbahce Oznur Kablo and Nadezhda are both one win away from making the Final Four after opening up their respective Quarter-Finals series with victories.

Fenerbahce Oznur Kablo staved off a late scare to ease past Bourges Basket 84-75 as they almost blew a 20-point lead in Istanbul, with their opponents having cut the gap to within five points heading into the last 90 seconds.

But rather fittingly, it was the standout Elizabeth Williams who made the vital play with 45 seconds remaining to effectively seal the deal as she completed a super and-one play.

 
The center was outstanding and finished with 30 points and 14 rebounds, shooting 88 percent from the floor in what was one of the best displays by any player this season. During the early stages, Fenerbahce had relied on the input of Alina Iagupova as she dropped 20 points and handed out 8 assists. Marissa Coleman impressed for Bourges with an efficient 12 points and 10 rebounds in defeat.

In the other game of the day, Nadezhda celebrated a memorable and thrilling 80-78 success at LDLC ASVEL Feminin as they survived a dramatic comeback bid from the hosts to scrape over the line. Lyon had trailed by seven points inside the last seconds and twice made it a one-point game.

But a clutch triple in the closing seconds from Anastasiia Shilova gave the Russian side the cushion they needed to survive. She made 6-of-7 from downtown in a spectacular shooting display and netted 19 points. It was a tally matched by her teammate Nayo Raincock-Ekunwe who also completed a double-double with 11 rebounds.

"It's a huge win, but it's just a first step," commented Nadezhda head coach, Georgios Dikaioulakos.

"Congratulations to all my players for the execution of the game plan. The keys of this win were the defense and Erica Wheeler. The way she played for our shooters and our bigs."

LDLC ASVEL Feminin had Marine Johannes and Alysha Clark with 24 points and 18 points, but still came up short and must now win in Orenburg next week to extend their stay in the competition and book a return game in Lyon.

"We missed a lot in the first half," bemoaned Johannes.

"We came back at the end of the game, but it wasn't enough. I am disappointed, but we need to quickly focus on the next games," she added.

FIBA