DVTK heartbreak as Mersin win thriller; Avenida snap losing streak

MUNICH (Germany) - CBK Mersin Yenisehir Bld celebrated a dramatic one point win at DVTK Hun-Therm on Thursday night, while Perfumerias Avenida returned to winning ways to end their losing run.

The rookie season of DVTK continues to be a thrilling rollercoaster ride and in yet another tight game, this time they were edged out in agonizing fashion 78-77 by Mersin. It was not just a tough loss for the hosts, but also one that was pivotal to their prospects of a top four finish in Group B.

DVTK now fall to 6-5, with Mersin improving to 7-4 after this epic tussle, only decided in the last seconds of the game when the Hungarians were unable to execute offensively and get the last-ditch score needed for victory. One of five home ballers in double-figures, there was another classy showing from Arella Guirantes who registered 21 points, 8 assists and 7 rebounds.

But Mersin got the job done, led by the experience and quality of DeWanna Bonner, who added to her rich tradition in this competition with 25 points in a majestic 10 of 12 shooting display, also adding 3 assists and 2 rebounds. Fittingly, the forward also dropped what proved to be the go-ahead bucket with 13 seconds remaining,

Also in Group B, there was a much needed success for Perfumerias Avenida as they avoided an unthinkable fifth consecutive defeat in the competition by moving past Kangoeroes Mechelen 75-61. The positive outcome was also a relief for new head coach Pepe Vazquez who celebrated his first win at the helm.

Greek center Mariella Fasoula was central to Avenida getting back to winning form

It was a 19-8 third quarter that put the visitors in the ascendancy, plus some good defensive pressure which included Bridget Carleton snapping up 6 steals to go with 13 points. Mariella Fasoula and Maite Cazorla also did nice work with 18 and 14 points respectively.

Avenida are now 6-5, with Kangoeroes 1-10, despite the best efforts of Morgan Bertsch who had an excellent 24 points in defeat.

FIBA