MUNICH (Germany) - The EuroCup Women Semi-Finals are shaping up to deliver two epic ties as the last four teams standing look to take this next step forwards and reach this year's showpiece. As in the previous rounds, the Semi-Finals will be played across two legs with the highest-seeded team - as per the Regular Season ranking - earning home advantage for the second leg.
The games will be played on Thursday, March 6 and Thursday, March 13 with the full schedule available, here.
Sopron Basket vs Villeneuve d'Ascq LM
Sopron Basket may not have won EuroCup Women previously, but have they've been crowned EuroLeague Women champions - so taking this year's title would see them completing the set. With 10 wins from 12 this season, they're absolutely flying and look capable of making the Final. Meanwhile, Villeneuve d'Ascq LM lifted the EuroCup Women title a decade ago and have come through some tough matchups to make it this far and are now on a roll. Key matchup: Jacinta Monroe (Sopron Basket) vs Aminata Gueye (Villeneuve d'Ascq LM)
'X-Factor': Both teams are big scorers and with Villeneuve dropping almost 90 points per outing, the 'X-Factor' could be who finds the strongest and most impactful defensive strategy to slow down their opponents. Stats don't lie: Villeneuve are so good in the paint and score a mammoth 40.3 points per game from this source - a vast difference to the 25.3 that Sopron convert as a team. The French side also do a great job on the offensive glass with 13 per game compared to 8.5 for Sopron.
BAXI Ferrol vs LDLC ASVEL Feminin
Could we see a second EuroCup Women title in three editions for ASVEL? They've now eliminated other big-hitters Galatasaray and Girona and have the incredible teenage duo of Dominque Malonga and Juste Jocyte on form. But while favorites, the Cinderella story of rookies BAXI Ferrol shows no signs of ending. Navigating the Qualifiers, the likes of Angela Mataix and Gala Mestres are still balling out, so perhaps another big upset could be incoming!
Key matchup: Claire Melia (BAXI Ferrol) vs Dominique Malonga (LDLC ASVEL Feminin)
'X-Factor': While all eyes have been on rising stars Malonga and Jocyte, it might just be the display of veteran performer Julie Wojta that shapes the destiny of this tie. A do-it-all baller with immense know-how, she has shot the ball really well and especially from downtown. Stats don't lie: You could barely get two better matched up teams statistically, with only negligible differences across so many categories. However, ASVEL have a clear edge in terms of their ability to score in transition with 19.5 fast break points per game compared to 12.2. Also Ferrol can be encouraged by the fact they average 14.5 second chance points against 9.5 for their opponents.
FIBA