MUNICH (Germany) - A number of clubs including the likes of Galatasaray Cagdas Factoring, Besiktas JK and Rutronik Stars Keltern all took a major step towards the Round of 16 after racking up big first leg advantages in the Play-Off Round 1.
Galatasaray showcased new sigings Yueri Li and Anete Steinberga as they underlined why they are one of the favorites for silverware, while Besiktas were equally impressive on the road in Gorzow.
One of the most impressive results of Wednesday night came when Keltern completed a lockdown of Tarbes Gespe Bigorre and they will now defend a 15-point margin in the return matchup next week.
Big wins were also completed by UFAB 49, along with Hungarian duo Uni Gyor and NKA Universitas Pecs.
There are still five more first leg matchups to be played on Thursday, December 12.
Key Storylines
Istanbul duo Galatasaray and Besiktas both show their muscles and champion potential;
Keltern stun Tarbes Gespe Bigorre as they rack up eye-catching win;
Girona post strong finish to rescue difficult situation at La Molisana Campobasso.
Weekly Highs
Efficiency: Kamila Borkowska (MB Zaglebie Sosnowiec) - 37 Points: Ruth Hebard (VBW Gdynia) - 29 Rebounds: Kamila Borkowska (MB Zaglebie Sosnowiec) - 15 Assists: Gabby Nikitinaite (MB Zaglebie Sosnowiec), Monique Akoa Makani (Charnay Basket) - 10 Steals: Dana Evans (Besiktas JK), Anna Ngo Ndjock (UFAB 49) - 5 Blocks: Kamila Borkowska (MB Zaglebie Sosnowiec) - 3
Go-time for Galatasaray and Besiktas; Girona ride roller-coaster
Turkish heavyweights Galatasaray swept aside Crvena Zvezda 95-72 in a powerful team effort as six different ballers all posted double-digit scoring returns.
They were led by 23 points from Julie Vanloo, who also showed out by passing the rock 9 times in the contest.
Meanwhile, Istanbul city rivals Besiktas did the business 80-64 at InvestInTheWest Enea Gorzow behind a perfect shooting effort from Croatian guard Mihaela Lazic who finished with 14 points and 5 steals.
Rutronik Stars Keltern shocked Tarbes Gespe Bigorre by suffocating them defensively and taking a 60-45 homecourt triumph. Serbian forward Mina Djordjevic paved the way with a smart double-double of 13 points and 14 boards.
Uni Gyor picked up a handy 15-point advantage in their success at Hungarian rivals TARR KSC Szekszard as they rode out 92-77 winners, thanks mainly to Virag Kiss who went to work with 24 points and 7 rebounds.
NKA Universitas Pecs were far too strong for Olympiacos as they moved past the Greek side with ease 85-63. The loss was tough for Eleanna Christinaki who had 19 points and 10 boards for the visitors.
UFAB 49 were big winners as they stormed past MB Zaglebie Sosnowiec 86-50, despite an extraordinary effort from Kamila Borkowska in defeat as she dropped 23 points and 15 rebounds.
Spar Girona rescued a sticky situation as they fell behind by double-digits at La Molisana Campobasso, but a massive 25-14 last quarter turned things around. A narrow 75-73 win sets up the return game in the second leg perfectly.
There was also a rare draw as Charnay Basket and IDK Euskotren could not be separated after 40 minutes as the first leg finished at 68-68.
Stay up to date with all of the EuroCup Women action!
FIBA