Villeneuve take historic Final Four ticket; Cukurova and Praha check back in for the big show

MUNICH (Germany) - Villeneuve d'Ascq LM penned another exciting new chapter as they took a first ever Final Four place, while Cukurova Basketbol Mersin and ZVVZ USK Praha both banked returns.

The trio all cemented their respective slots for the big show with game three wins in the Quarter-Finals, to join holders Fenerbahce Alagoz Holding at the end of season showpiece.

Special season for Villeneuve as they cut Cinderella story short

It's turned out to be a landmark season for Villeneuve d'Ascq LM after the French club wrapped up their first trip to Final Four having never even previously qualified for the Quarter-Finals of the competition.

They stayed cool in front of a noisy and partisan crowd in Miskolc to take a decisive 73-58 success against DVTK HUN-Therm. They got it done in an intense encounter with a strong showing in the first-half and once onto the front foot, they managed to keep the home side at arms' length. 

A double-double of 15 points and 12 rebounds from Kariata Diaby was critical, as was 18 points from Kamiah Smalls and 16 points from Janelle Salaun. DVTK had also been searching for their first appearance at the Final Four in what has still been a special season after emerging from the Qualifiers, but despite playing hard, they just couldn't find their offensive edge on the night.

Mabrey hands Cukurova a Final Four return

Cukurova Basketbol Mersin loved being back on their home floor as they eased past Casademont Zaragoza 86-63 in their decisive third game of the Quarter-Finals series. 

Star guard Marina Mabrey inspired them as usual after handing out a spectacular 14 assists to go with 16 points, with Stephanie Mavunga also dropping 10 points and 10 boards. The hosts put their foot on the gas in a one-sided and brutal third quarter, when they outscored Zaragoza 21-8.

That was enough to ensure they added to their home victory in Game 1. The loss proved to be a tough ending to the campaign for Casademont Zaragoza, who will never forget their truly remarkable rookie season.

Praha prove too much for Schio

Last year's Final Four hosts ZVVZ USK Praha are safely back at the flagship season finale once again after having too much in the bank for Beretta Famila Schio. They rode past the Italians 74-54 in the Czech capital to extract some revenge for last year's loss at Final Four in the Third Place Game. 

 
Praha made a strong move when they snapped the encounter open by posting a 12-0 run during the second quarter after both clubs had been locked up at 18-18. That gave them the daylight they needed to pull clear and they never had cause to look back. Germany national team forward Nyara Sabally stood out with a game-high 19 points, while Maria Conde also impressed with 11 points, 11 boards and 5 assists.

Highs

Efficiency: 28 - Marina Mabrey (Cukurova Basketbol Mersin) 
Points: 19 - Nyara Sabally (ZVVZ USK Praha)
Rebounds: 10 - Stephanie Mavunga (Cukurova Basketbol Mersin) 
Assists: 14  -  Marina Mabrey (Cukurova Basketbol Mersin) 
Steals: 4 - Mariona Ortiz (Casademont Zaragoza); Nyara Sabally (ZVVZ USK Praha)
Blocks: 2 - Multiple Players

Wednesday, March 6

Quarter-Finals 
Cukurova Basketbol Mersin 86-63 Casademont Zaragoza 
DVTK HUN-Therm 58-73 Villeneuve d'Ascq LM
ZVVZ USK Praha 74-54 Beretta Famila Schio

FIBA