Fenerbahce and Sopron punch first two tickets to Final Four

MUNICH (Germany) - Fenerbahce Safiport and Sopron Basket will return to the EuroLeague Women Final Four, after collecting on Thursday night the wins they needed to advance to the flagship event.

Both teams had moved 1-0 ahead in their respective Quarter-Final series and Fenerbahce became the first side to secure their place at the Final Four by sealing a second success against TTT Riga via a dominant 88-65 triumph.

Enjoying a rapid start, the Istanbul giants hit top gear from the outset and poured in 32 points during the opening period.

Fenerbahce never looked back and moved past their rivals with ease as Swedish forward Amanda Zahui chose the perfect time to have her best ever game in a yellow-black jersey, posting 22 points and 8 rebounds.

Center Elizabeth Williams impressed in a big way again by collecting 12 points, 7 assists, 6 rebounds and 5 steals, while Jasmine Thomas fired 21 points in defeat.

Later on Thursday, Sopron Basket had a more challenging task in defeating BLMA 72-65 on the road. Ahead by as many as 13 points after a positive start, the Hungarian team had to fight off a late salvage mission from their French hosts to get the job done. 

Gabby Williams showed out for Sopron with a massive 28 points and 11 rebounds in what proved to be a game-winning display from the forward. Center Bernadett Hatar played a smart cameo with 16 points and 6 boards.

"It’s my second Final Four with this team and it feels great," Williams said afterwards.

"I’m happy that it wasn’t easy cause that means we really deserved it tonight. Even if it was my old team, I’m a competitive person and I don’t care who I’m playing against, I’m playing to win.

"But I’m really happy to be back in Montpellier and it was great to be welcomed like this. Now we’re gonna go back home and take it day by day."

FIBA