MUNICH (Germany) - The first leg games of the Round of 16 threw up some exciting battles, including Galatasaray Cagdas Factoring squeezing past LDLC ASVEL Feminin and a host of clubs taking down higher seeded teams. Galatasaray came out on top in a repeat of the 2023 Finals, while BAXI Ferrol made everyone sit up and take notice as they toppled number on seeds DVTK HUNTHERM.
There were also wins against higher seeded teams for NKA Universitas Pecs, Rutronik Stars Keltern and Sopron Basket.
Key Storylines
Galatasaray come back from double-digit arrears to take a slender 5-point lead to ASVEL.
BAXI Ferrol beat number one ranked DVTK after incredible show from Angela Maitix;
Estudiantes onto front foot against former EuroLeague Women competitors Villeneuve.
Weekly Highs
Efficiency: Angela Maitix (BAXI Ferrol) - 38 Points: Angela Maitix (BAXI Ferrol) - 32 Rebounds: Aminata Gueye (Villeneuve d'Ascq LM) - 8 Assists: Pinelopi Pavlopoulou (Sopron Basket) - 7 Steals: Multiple Players - 4 Blocks: Multiple Players - 2
Galatasaray battle back; plenty of higher seeds feel the pressure
Galatasaray responded to a 13-point deficit at home to LDLC ASVEL Feminin to take a modest 77-72 victory which sets up the tie beautifully ahead of next week's return game on French soil.
Brianna Fraser was the pick for Galatasaray with 16 points and 8 rebounds, while Dayshanette Harris caught the eye for ASVEL with 23 points.
BAXI Ferrol are having a historic season and one that could be unforgettable after moving past DVTK HUNTHERM 78-73 behind a dazzling show from Angela Maitix. She had a stellar display and was the difference-maker after harvesting 32 points, 6 rebounds and 4 assists. Rutronik Stars Keltern racked up a lead as the 22nd seeded side extended their impressive campaign by edging past the sixth seeded BLMA 62-56. Quinesha Lockett took center stage as usual with 20 points and 5 assists. Julia Reisingerova was in top form for NKA Universitas Pecs as the lowest seeded team left in the tournament (29th) inked an excellent 85-73 win against Spar Girona.
The Czech center was a colossus and finished with 24 points, 6 rebounds and 4 assists, while Agnes Studer dropped 20 points to give their team a great chance of progressing. Sopron Basket won an 89-83 shootout on the road at Hungarian rivals Uni Gyor as they took down this season's EuroLeague Women entrants. Jacina Monroe stood out with 20 points, while Zala Friskovec sunk 18 points in support.
Besiktas are well placed to advance after Temi Fagbenle claimed a double-double of 22 points and 11 boards in a hard-fought 64-52 win at UFAB 49.
Home comforts for Estudiantes and Sassari
Estudiantes eased out Villeneuve 75-65 as the French visitors played for the first time in the competition without their revered and now departed former head coach Rachid Meziane. They were undone by a strong team effort from Estudiantes.
The Madrid side had Angela Salvadores top-scoring with 15 points, but it was the powerful Marena Whittle who impressed once again. She moved into the limelight after contributing 14 points, 5 rebounds, 4 assists and 2 steals.
Sassari were too strong for IDK Euskotren as they claimed a 60-50 victory that was founded on taking advantage of their opponents' modest firepower. They shut them down with an excellent defensive effort, while at the other end of the court, guard duo Shaylee Gonzales and Debora Carangelo lit it up.
The former dropped 16 points, 7 rebounds and 4 steals, with Carangelo offering an all-action 19 points, 5 rebounds, 5 assists and 4 steals.
Results
Thursday, January 9 Uni Gyor 83-89 Sopron Basket NKA Universitas Pecs 85-73 Spar Girona Galatasaray Cagdas Factoring 77-72 LDLC ASVEL Feminin Rutronik Stars Keltern 62-56 BLMA BAXI Ferrol 78-73 DVTK HUNTHERM UFAB 49 52-64 Besiktas JK
Wednesday, January 8 Movistar Estudiantes 75-65 Villeneuve d'Ascq LM BDS Dinamo Sassari 60-50 IDK Euskotren
FIBA