MUNICH (Germany) - There was a EuroLeague Women win-double for Italian basketball on Thursday night as both Beretta Famila Schio and Umana Reyer Venezia made victorious starts to the new campaign. In the last two games of the opening week of action, Schio shot down Perfumerias Avenida behind some stunning play from Janelle Salaun and Reyer rolled to a one-sided win at Uni Gyor.
Key Storylines
Valencia turn up the heat and show title credentials against Praha;
Fenerbahce tip off title defense in style in a rematch of last year's Final;
Italian double as Schio and Reyer close out the first week with stylish wins.
Weekly Highs
Efficiency: Janelle Salaun (Beretta Famila Schio) - 34 Points: Janelle Salaun (Beretta Famila Schio) - 24 Rebounds: Kelsey Bone (Villeneuve d'Ascq LM) - 12 Assists: Julie Allemand (Fenerbahce Opet) - 10 Steals: Janelle Salaun (Beretta Famila Schio) - 5 Blocks: Valeriane Ayayi (ZVVZ USK Praha) - 3
Salaun unstoppable for Schio; Cubaj collects the win for Reyer
The work of French forward Janelle Salaun was a thing of beauty as she came up with a majestic 24 points, 9 rebounds, 5 steals and 4 assists to lay the foundation for Beretta Famila Schio to fly past Perfumerias Avenida 92-58. Her first-half effort in particular was super and set the tone, with the Italians also having 18 points from fellow forward Jasmine Keys.
Umana Reyer Venezia made light work on their return to the competition as the Italians coasted past Uni Gyor. They claimed a comfortable 80-59 victory off the back of a superb 24-11 third period and strong showing from Lorela Cubaj. She dropped a 6 of 8 shooting effort en-route to 15 points, while Kamiah Smalls and Awak Kuier shared 28 points.
Vibrant Valencia make a statement; Fenerbahce hit cruise control
Valencia Basket Club have big ambitions and after an 80-62 win against ZVVZ USK Praha on Wednesday night, they might also have dreams of getting the coveted silverware.
A big home crowd saw them turn up the heat in the last 15 minutes as Nadia Fingall claimed 15 points and 7 boards, with Queralt Casas having an all-action 10 points, 5 assists, 4 rebounds and 3 assists.
Fenerbahce Opet showed why they are still the team to beat this season as the holders roared past Villeneuve d'Ascq LM 82-51. The frontcourt got it done with Emma Meesseman and Tina Charles recording 20 and 18 points respectively, while Julie Allemand handed out 10 assists.
Basket Landes squandered a 15-point lead at home to DVTK, but Destiny Slocum came up in crunch time to inspire a thrilling 55-54 win. She hit a huge triple and made two-free throws at the death to seal the deal. Kaila Charles had a double-double of 15 point and 11 rebounds for DVTK.
There was also a comfortable 77-66 win for CBK Mersin at Tango Bourges Basket as they showed their teeth and title potential from the very first jump-ball.
Brilliant Brno light it up; Zaragoza squeeze out the win
On Tuesday night it proved to be a glorious return after 10 years away for Zabiny Brno as the Czech club tipped off their new era in the tournament with a 92-61 triumph against Olympiacos.
The home crowd revelled in seeing the local favorites make it rain with a stunning 16 triples. Eliska Hamzova starred with 17 points, 8 assists and 5 rebounds, while Steph Kostowicz had a double-double of 10 points and 10 rebounds. Merritt Hempe top scored in the contest with 21 points in defeat.
Meanwhile Casademont Zaragoza had a tight squeeze but outlasted KGHM BC Polkowice by 76-73 to get rolling at the first time of asking. They had been cruising but a second half comeback by the visitors meant the home side had to work hard for victory. Tanaya Atkinson was a difference-maker with 23 points, while a bucket by Markeisha Gatling with 20 seconds remaining effectively sealed the deal.
Results
Thursday, October 10 Bertta Famila Schio 92-58 Perfumerias Avenida Uni Gyor 59-80 Umana Reyer Venezia
Wednesday, October 9 Basket Landes 55-54 DVTK HUNTHERM Tango Bourges Basket 66-77 CBK Mersin Villeneuve d'Ascq LM 52-81 Fenerbahce Opet Valencia Basket Club 80-62 ZVVZ USK Praha
Tuesday, October 8 Zabiny Brno 92-61 Olympiacos Casademont Zaragoza 76-73 KGHM BC Polkowice
FIBA