Beat The Expert: Will Fenerbahce stay undefeated after Schio challenge?
MUNICH (Germany) - There's been lots to love in the Regular Season so far and that theme continues with a repeat of last year's Semi-Final between Fenerbahce Alagoz Holding and Beretta Famila Schio.
MUNICH (Germany) - There's been lots to love in the Regular Season so far and that theme continues with a repeat of last year's Semi-Final between Fenerbahce Alagoz Holding and Beretta Famila Schio.
It's our Game of the Week and with all clubs competing on Wednesday, it promises to be a blockbuster night of action. Meanwhile we also welcome a Serbian legend in the shape of Sonja Vasic for our 'Beat the Expert' game, with fans as usual having the chance to take part by casting their votes.
Game of the Week: Fenerbahce Alagoz Holding vs Beretta Famila Schio
Six months ago Fenerbahce Alagoz Holding were beating their rivals in the penultimate game of the 2022-23 season en route to that maiden title success, while Schio were appearing at a historic first ever Final Four. Both clubs have since undergone substantial roster changes, with Fenerbahce coming into this fixture holding a perfect 3-0 record - although they only just edged out Casademont Zaragoza last week. Schio could have landed in Istanbul flawless but were just edged out by DVTK HUN-Therm in their last outing.
Adjusting to the departure of Napheesa Collier who had fueled much of their best work during the very early part of the season, Fenerbahce were not at their best but showed great resilience and have one of the form players of the competition in Kayla McBride. Schio are looking for an offensive boost since they are scoring only 65 points per game and only logged 55 against DVTK.
You can watch the live broadcast of the game between Fenerbahce Alagoz Holding and Beretta Famila Schio with commentary on the EuroLeague Women YouTube channel on Wednesday, October 25 at 19:00 CET.
Key matchup: It's undeniable that McBride is playing some of the best basketball of her career and has been leading Fenerbahce in a big way since the new season tipped off. Her influence has been huge, consistently producing some nice numbers and providing some vital leadership. Most likely, slowing her down in the scoring and creative stakes will be near the top of Schio's priorities.
Trying to mastermind how to turn the McBride offensive tap off will be former Fenerbahce playcaller, Georgios Dikaioulakos. The good news for him and for Schio fans is that they have their own talented guard in Arella Guirantes who looks like she's also coming into form. If she does find that new offensive rhythm, this will be a colossal battle between two players who know how to entertain.
Predictions: The Expert vs Sonja Vasic
Each week our resident EuroLeague Women expert Paul Nilsen faces a different guest challenger in our prediction game. Fans also have the chance to show their prediction skills in the voting below. The first weeks of action have seen our expert keeping himself in pole position in the race.
Our guest for Week 4 is Serbian legend Sonja Vasic who knows what it is like to win this competition - as well as a long list of honors at the international level, including being crowned FIBA Women's EuroBasket MVP in 2021.
Do you have what it takes?
Predict the winners of this week's games below!
Season predictions so far:
The Expert: 21/24 (87.5%)
The Guest: 18/24 (75%)
The Fans: 18/24 (75%)
Number of the Week: 25
One of the most striking statistics with three Regular Season games in the bank is that Fenerbahce Alagoz Holding have amassed an eye-catching 35 steals during that period. Meanwhile LDLC ASVEL Feminin have just 10 to their collective name, with only Marine Fauthoux averaging at least one per game. That eye-watering low number and jaw-dropping difference of 25 steals between two pre-season frontrunners in the space of just three games is quite something. And very reflective of their contrasting fortunes so far.
Question of the Week: Who's the first player to hand out 10 assists in a game?
A number of players have passed the rock eight times in a single game, with Virtus Segafredo Bologna duo Cecilia Zanadalasini and Francesca Pasa both having dished it up nine times. We're waiting for someone to hit that magical double-digit landmark in a game for assists, so will this be the week when someone takes that step? Most importantly, which player will be the one who gets it done?
Let us know what you think in the poll below!
FIBA