MUNICH (Germany) - There was a dramatic overtime victory for Valencia Basket Club as they took down Casademont Zaragoza in an all-Spanish affair, while Zabiny Brno beat Basket Landes in another nerve-shredding contest that keeps their prospects alive. Valencia extracted revenge for a huge recent loss in the Spanish League against their domestic rivals to improve to 7-1 in Group F. Meanwhile in Group E, Zabiny Brno improved to 3-5 as they took a home victory to keep their slim hopes of progressing intact.
The action for the calendar year will conclude with another four matchups on Wednesday December 18.
Key Storylines
Valencia come out on top in an overtime thriller against arch rivals Zaragoza; Brno sneak past Landes to get first win of Second Round.
Weekly Highs
Efficiency: Luisa Geiselsoder (Basket Landes) - 30 Points: Stephanie Mawuli (Casademont Zaragoza) - 25 Rebounds: Steph Mavunga (Valencia Basket Club) - 11 Assists: Mariona Ortiz (Casademont Zaragoza) - 10 Steals: Mariona Ortiz (Casademont Zaragoza) - 5 Blocks: Multiple Players - 2
Valencia win an overtime classic; Brno keep cool to stay in race
There was relief and joy in equal measure for Valencia Basket Club as they completed a memorable 90-82 overtime win against Casademont Zaragoza. It had looked like their chance might have slipped away after Yvonne Turner fouled with a second remaining in regulation and her team ahead by a point, but Helena Pueyo but couldn't sink the second free-throw to ice the win for Zaragoza.
Valencia took full advantage of their reprieve and finished the stronger of the two teams, helped by a huge double-double of 19 points and 11 boards from Steph Mavunga. Alina Iagupova did the business in the backcourt with 17 points and 7 assists, with Zaragoza leaning on 25 points from Steph Mawuli while Mariona Ortiz dished out 10 assists.
In the other Tuesday night game, Zabiny Brno beat in-form Basket Landes 69-65 to leave their fans dreaming of going beyond the Second Round. It had looked like the visitors might take victory as they tried to to force overtime or hit a triple for the win, but Brno guard Nikolina Knezevic had other ideas and her steal proved to be the difference-maker.
Elissa Cunane showed her leadership with a smart 10 points, 8 boards and 4 assists for Brno. Luisa Geiselsoder was unfortunate to be on the losing team after netting 23 points as Basket Landes fall to 5-3.
Game of the Week
CBK Mersin and Beretta Famila Schio take center stage in the 'Game of the Week' and it's a matchup that you can watch live and for free at our official streaming partner DAZN.
Mersin are looking to extend their perfect record, with playmaker Yvonne Anderson likely to pull the strings as usual. Meanwhile, Schio will hope sharp-shooting Latvian Kitija Laksa can find her range to help them fire the points they need to cause an upset on the road and inflict a first loss on their opponents.
Game of the Week
Tuesday, December 17 Valencia Basket Club 90-82 Casademont Zaragoza (OT) Zabiny Brno 69-65 Basket Landes
FIBA