MUNICH (Germany) - There are now only eight clubs still standing and the first-ever EuroLeague Women Play-Ins should produce plenty of drama, excitement and intrigue when they swing into action.
The top two clubs from each Second Round group are competing in the Semi-Final Play-Ins, with clubs in third and fourth place crossing over in the Quarter-Final Play-Ins.
Scheduled for February 19 and 26, the Play-Ins will be played in a home-and-away format, with the higher seeded teams having home advantage in the second leg of the matchups.
The aggregate winners of the Semi-Final Play-Ins will advance directly to the Semi-Finals. The losing teams will face the winners of the Quarter-Final Play-Ins in the Quarter-Finals.
The maiden EuroLeague Women Final Six will be hosted in the Spanish city of Zaragoza from April 9-13.
Semi-Final Play-In: CIMSA CBK Mersin vs Valencia Basket Club
It's a matchup that is dripping with stars and has all the makings of a classic. Valencia are 7-3 so far this season, and Mersin are 11-1, but it feels like this is a tie still finely balanced on paper - not least with Mersin still integrating recently appointed head coach, Ahmet Kandem. Mersin have made it as far as the Final previously, whereas for Valencia, navigating this stage would see them take a Semi-Finals spot for the first time in their history. Star player: Iliana Rupert (CIMSA CBK Mersin) Key matchup: Yvonne Anderson (CIMSA CBK Mersin) vs Yvonne Turner (Valencia Basket Club) X-Factor: What a time for the one and only Marine Johannes to be potentially returning to action with Mersin in the competition after the lengthy lay off that kept her sidelined for much of the campaign. It really would be MJ style to return with a bang and have a massive say in the outcome of this tie. Whether all around performance-wise or being the one to hit a clutch bucket.
Semi-Final Play-In: Fenerbahce Opet vs Beretta Famila Schio
The two form teams of 2025 and, in the case of Fenerbahce, all-season long, taking into account their flawless record. Something has to give. The Turkish juggernauts and current title holders are huge favorites, but will be acutely aware that the force has been with Schio of late. Fenerbahce has incredible depth with its star laden roster, but Schio's core rotation looks capable of pushing their opponents hard. It is set up to be a really physical couple of games. Star player: Emma Meesseman (Fenerbahce Opet) Key matchup: Gabby Williams (Fenerbahce Opet) vs Janelle Salaun (Beretta Famila Schio) X-Factor: Dorka Juhasz was the MVP for January, but sustained a shoulder injury for the Hungarian national team in the first game of the recent Women's EuroBasket Qualifiers window. They missed her hugely in the second game and lost - a scenario which underlines why to have any realistic chance, Schio need her to back healthy and firing.
Quarter-Final Play-In: ZVVZ USK Praha vs Basket Landes
A real surprise package, Basket Landes had to come through the Qualifiers to get this far and are now a step away from the Final Six. Despite neither team having a winning season record at 6-6 and 5-5 respectively, Landes will be the underdogs by far. But their home court can be a fortress at times. Praha are regulars at the season showpiece so the onus is on them to continue that tradition. Anything else but making the Final Six would be viewed as a disappointment. Star player: Brionna Jones (ZVVZ USK Praha) Key matchup: Teja Oblak (ZVVZ USK Praha) vs Destiny Slocum (Basket Landes) X-Factor: Will Basket Landes have the scoring power to keep pace with Praha as they average less than 66 points per game? The Czech giants have more proven offensive options and it suggests the Landes defense must be at its absolute best for the French club to advance.
Quarter-Final Play-In: Tango Bourges Basket vs Casademont Zaragoza
There will be a lot of expectation for Zaragoza to punch their ticket as hosts of the Final Six. If successful, it will likely to be due to a strong first leg on home soil where they regularly shine in front of their huge and passionate fanbase. They will look to turn the defensive screw and Bourges will be acutely aware of the fact they can't have any slow starts. Bourges have a vastly better season record at 9-3 compared to 5-5, but Zaragoza do love the big occasion. Star player: Mariona Ortiz (Casademont Zaragoza) Key matchup: Amy Okonkwo (Tango Bourges Basket) vs Tanaya Atkinson (Casademont Zaragoza) X-Factor: Zaragoza will be hoping it doesn't boil down to nerves and a bunch of free-throws in crunch time as they are the worst in the competition with 67 percent. That is in stark contrast to Bourges who are a fantastic free-throw shooting side at 83 percent.
FIBA