TTT Riga, Reyer Venezia and Famila Schio start 2020 with a bang

MUNICH (Germany) - Struggling duo TTT Riga and Reyer Venezia breathed life into their prospects for the remainder of the season by tipping off the new calendar year with much needed victories, while Famila Schio continued their momentum from 2019.

TTT Riga doubled their win tally for the entire campaign, adding to that famous triumph over UMMC Ekaterinburg by beating Castors Braine 81-62.

 
It was a terrific team display, with both Binta Drammeh and Megan Huff standing out as they landed double-doubles. The former contributed 18 points and 10 boards, while Huff chipped in with 14 points and 10 rebounds.

Reyer Venezia collected only their third win so far as they outlasted Geleck Koleji Cukoruva, 70-61. The victory was built around frontcourt standout Anete Steinberga, as she netted 18 points, as well as producing 7 rebounds and 4 assists.

 
Having finished 2019 with a terrific triumph at Arka Gdyia, the winter break didn't disrupt the groove of Famila Schio who produced a statement win by beating Dynamo Kursk 70-53. Despite the visitors having changed coach and having also brought back former favorite Angel McCoughtry, Schio were too strong - led by 21 points, 7 rebounds and 5 assists from veteran Sandrine Gruda.

 
Meanwhile the competition heavyweights and favorites to make Final Four all showed their teeth, including reigning champions UMMC Ekaterinburg who breezed their way to a 71-50 success at Nadezhda. Courtney Vandersloot showed her skills with flawless shooting night that returned 10 points, 8 rebounds, 7 assists and 3 steals.

ZVVZ USK Praha were too hot to handle for Bourges Basket and also amassed a comfortable victory. They prevailed 82-64, prospering form the usual leadership on the floor of Alyssa Thomas who bagged 17 points, 11 rebounds and 8 assists.

 
Fenerbahce had little difficulty in easing out the visiting Sopron Basket 70-52, with Alina Iagupova adding an eye-catching 19 points and 8 assists, while Elizabeth Williams and Olcay Cakir impressed with 19 and 13 points respectively. 

Finally, BLMA had to work hard to shrug off Arka Gdynia 85-79, but had the difference-maker in the shape of Steph Mavunga. She claimed a season high 30 points and added 6 boards to pace the win, while 20 points from Gabby Williams was also influential.

FIBA