MUNICH (Germany) - The first leg games of the EuroLeague Women Qualifiers are in the books and it was Zabiny Brno and Basket Landes who celebrated on Wednesday night as they both racked up victories. In an exciting tie in Czechia, home favorites Brno escaped with the narrowest of wins, while Landes eased past Besiktas on the road in Istanbul despite a stunning 38 points from Khaalia Hillsman. Meanwhile, 24 hours earlier, Casademont Zaragoza got rolling after they took a first day victory on their travels at CSM Constanta.
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Zabiny Brno 67-66 TARR KSC Szekszard
There was a dramatic and nail-biting success for Czech SIDE Zabiny Brno as they snatched a one-point victory against TARR KSC Szekszard in a result that sets up the return matchup beautifully. It was an entertaining roller-coaster with no fewer than 14 lead changes and could have went either way.
The home team got it done with nine different scorers and took superb care of the ball throughout. Elissa Cunane was the pick with 9 points, 9 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 steals and 2 blocks. It helped deny the one-two punch of Marena Whittle who had 22 points and Kathryn Westbeld's double-double of 18 points and 11 boards.
Besiktas JK 70-84 Basket Landes
It's advantage Basket Landes after they gave Besiktas a hill to climb next week by taking an eye-catching triumph. Taking control in the second period, which they dominated 23-11, the French club had five ballers breaking double-digits in points. Sixtine Macquet had 15 of them, along with 6 rebounds in a classy display.
In stark contrast, Besiktas could only rely on the headline 38 points from Hillsman, who was their lone threat for much of the game. She also added 8 rebounds to her mammoth tally and the outcome leaves the ambitious Besiktas staring down at a likely trip into EuroCup Women as it stands with an away trip to follow.
CSM Constanta 57-75 Casademont Zaragoza
On Tuesday, Casademont Zaragoza made a splash in their debut season last year and could be heading back to the big stage again after they eased clear of rookies CSM Constanta of Romania. Collecting a precious 18-point first leg advantage, they had too much for their hosts. Especially in the paint where they dropped a mammoth 40 points.
Markeisha Gatling posted a super 20 points for the visitors, with Spanish duo Laia Flores and Helena Pueyo both contributing 14 points each. Underdogs Constanta shone for the opening 20 minutes but then were always struggling to keep pace. Veteran Gabriela Marginean top scored in defeat with 13 points.
FIBA