Valencia loving life on the road; Coach Iniguez off to winning start in Mersin

MUNICH (Germany) - Valencia Basket Club have hit top gear after a fourth straight win on their travels, while Roberto Iniguez delivered a victory in his first game as CBK Mersin Yenisehir Bld playcaller.

A super first-half display paved the way for a commanding 75-54 Group A success at Atomeromu KSC Szekszard as their hot form continued. They extended their streak by following on from wins at Olympiacos SFP, Virtus Segafredo Bologna and ZVVZ USK Praha.

It was Lauren Cox who excelled for the visitors with a towering performance in the paint. She finished the contest with 26 points, 4 rebounds and 3 assists, while making an impressive 10 of 15 from the field to help Valencia move to 7-3.

Meanwhile, in Group B, Roberto Iniguez barely had time to familiarize himself with his new surroundings in the wake of his move from Avenida to CBK Mersin Yenisehir Bld. However, he still got off to a winning start as his new club outpaced Basket Landes with ease to collect a 75-59 Group B victory.

Improving their record to 6-4, the hosts prospered from Chelsea Gray who had 16 points and 8 assists, while Tiffany Hayes - reunited with Iniguez who coached her at Avenida - harvested 21 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists. 

It was a tough night for the successor of Iniguez in Salamanca as new Perfumerias Avenida head coach Pepe Vazquez could not halt the loss of form as his new side were undone 72-61 against Beretta Famila Schio. That now means it is four losses on the bounce for Avenida, with Schio solidifying their place as a challenger to top position in the group at 7-3.

A poor start didn't help the now 5-5 Avenida and while they launched a late comeback bid at the start of the fourth quarter, Schio held on for the win. The Italians were fuelled by Amanda Zahui and Rhyne Howard sharing 32 points, Jasmine Keys had a smart 4 of 5 shooting effort and also 6 rebounds, plus 4 steals.

Spar Girona are now 6-4 after beating Kangoeroes Mechelen but they were only able to snap the game open with a late sure and had to come back from behind against their Belgian opponents.

Brittney Sykes paced the 71-59 triumph after the guard recorded a very nice 24 points, 8 rebounds and 5 assists. Most critically, she kept her team rolling when they fell behind during the early exchanges.

Back to Group A and Fenerbahce Alagoz Holding are still on a roll as leaders after they claimed their eighth consecutive victory by storming their way past bottom placed side Olympiacos SFP 92-58. The result means their Greek opponents continue to search for their first win after 10 unsuccessful outings so far.

Once again, Breanna Stewart showed her class with a team-leading display that consisted of 22 points, 6 rebounds, 3 assists, 3 steals and 3 blocks. Kayla McBride posted one of her best efforts of the season so far with 16 points and 8 assists in the backcourt.

ZVVZ USK Praha returned to a winning track after a superb final quarter dug themselves out of a hole for a 65-57 win against Tango Bourges Basket.

For much of the contest it had looked like the French visitors would be taking victory, but a 26-12 finish did the job for Praha. It was Alyssa Thomas who came up with the big show for the Czech giants, walking off the court with 15 points, 14 rebounds, 5 assists and 3 steals as Praha moved to an improved 7-3.

FIBA