MUNICH (Germany) - Fenerbahce Opet proved they're still the team to beat in the competition after the reigning champions showed their class down the stretch to see off ZVVZ USK Praha and preserve their perfect status. Just 24 hours earlier, Perfumerias Avenida came close to upsetting the only other flawless team in the shape of Mersin and were only a basket rim away from overtime in a blockbuster game - but the ambitious Turkish side survived.
Basket Landes are in dreamland after moving to 5-2 for the season after a nail-biting success in the 'Game of the Week' against Tango Bourges Basket. Elsewhere, Casademont Zaragoza celebrated an eye-catching comeback win against Umana Reyer Venezia after wiping out an early 15-point deficit. Fellow Spanish side Valencia Basket Club outlasted KGHM BC Polkowice after an inspired Emma Cannon did her best to deny the Spanish club. There was also a win for Beretta Famila Schio, who eventually rode past Zabiny Brno who threatened a surprise win.
Key Storylines
Fenerbahce hold off a strong challenge from Praha to stay unbeaten;
Mersin a perfect 7-0 but almost come undone at Avenida;
Landes continue to shine at home with a vibrant victory against French rivals Bourges;
Zaragoza overturn a 15-point deficit to take down Reyer.
Weekly Highs
Efficiency: Emma Cannon (KGHM BC Polkowice) - 27 Points: Emma Cannon (KGHM BC Polkowice) - 25 Rebounds: Emma Cannon (KGHM BC Polkowice) - 17 Assists: Maria Conde (ZVVZ USK Praha) - 8 Steals: Multiple Players - 4 Blocks: Multiple Players - 1
Fenerbahce show champion spirit; Landes and Mersin survive nail-biters
Current title holders Fenerbahce Opet rode their way past ZVVZ USK Praha 75-71 in Istanbul and had to show their toughness and quality in crunch time. Having seen their early 15-point lead evaporate, it looked like a first defeat of the season might be incoming after Praha took the lead in the last quarter.
However, led by Emma Meesseman and Tina Charles, the frontcourt duo did the business when it mattered in the last period to get Fenerbahce over the line - the latter netting 18 points. Gabby Williams also excelled with 14 points, 5 boards, 4 assists and 4 steals for the hosts, with Brionna Jones claiming 19 points and 9 rebounds for the visitors.
There's no doubting Basket Landes have provided their supporters with value for money this season after they won yet another gripping battle in Mont-de-Marsan. This time the home team had to fend off a late rescue bid by fellow French side Tango Bourges Basket, eventually breathing a sigh of relief as they hung on for a 76-73 victory.
They now sit second in Group E, thankful for some excellent shooting from Destiny Slocum who went 4 of 5 from long-range. She shared 28 points with teammate, Mousdandy Djaldi-Tabdi. There was also a 14-point haul for Tima Pouye in defeat as Bourges dropped to 4-3.
Perfumerias Avenida almost inflicted a first defeat of the season on CBK Mersin, but their Turkish opponents and former head coach Victor Lapena were able to dig out a precious 75-73 triumph to move to an unbeaten 7-0. It was a tense affair and tough to take for the Spanish side who find themselves 3-4 after a valiant effort.
Avenida young gun Iyana Martin Carrion showed her quality again and almost forced overtime with the last play of the contest. Meanwhile the veteran Yvonne Anderson was a difference-maker for Mersin as she made plenty of free-throws at the death and recorded 21 points. Still in Group E, Beretta Famila Schio posted a strong start at home to Zabiny Brno and eventually took a 76-68 win. It had looked like they would race out of sight when they led by as many as 15, but the visitors caused some nervous moments with a comeback that saw them pull level. Schio kept their composure in crunch time with a 7-0 response and now have a 5-2 record, benefiting from a team-high 23 points from Kitija Laksa. Meanwhile,in Group F Casademont Zaragoza fans turned up the noise to help their team after a poor start which had seen their team down by as many as 15 points against Umana Reyer Venezia.
They turned things around with a huge third quarter to complete what could prove to be a pivotal 64-56 triumph. Stephanie Mawuli was at the heart of the comeback and down the stretch, eventually scoring 11 points.
KGHM BC Polkowice powerhouse Emma Cannon did everything she could to cause an upset as she racked up a stunning double-double of 25 points and 17 rebounds against Valencia Basket Club.
But the home side just came up short as their Spanish visitors eased to a 66-56 victory with a late show. Steph Mavunga had 11 points and as many boards for Valencia, while Yvonne Turner posted an all-action 10 points, 8 boards, 6 assists and 4 steals as they improved to 5-2.
Results
Thursday, December 12
Casademont Zaragoza 64-56 Umana Reyer Venezia Fenerbahce Opet 75-71 ZVVZ USK Praha
Wednesday, December 11 KGHM BC Polkowice 56-66 Valencia Basket Club BC Basket Landes 76-73 Tango Bourges Basket Beretta Famila Schio 76-68 Zabiny Brno Perfumerias Avenida 75-73 CBK Mersin
FIBA