MUNICH (Germany) - There are still two unbeaten clubs after eight weeks of action after both Turkish powerhouses Fenerbahce Opet and CBK Mersin extended their streak, while 24 hours earlier Valencia Basket Club took down Casademont Zaragoza in an overtime epic. Elsewhere, Tango Bourges Basket bounced back from last week's loss by beating Perfumerias Avenida, there was a one-sided win for ZVVZ USK Praha at home to KGHM BC Polkowice and Zabiny Brno improved to 3-5 as they took a home victory against Basket Landes to keep their slim hopes of progressing intact.
Key Storylines
- Turkish rivals Fenerbahce and Mersin yet to lose and are 8-0 and top of their respective groups; - Valencia come out on top in an overtime thriller against arch rivals Zaragoza; - Bourges take a precious win against Avenida as Okonkwo shows out; - Brno sneak past Landes to get first win of Second Round.
Weekly Highs
Efficiency: IIiana Rupert (CBK Mersin) - 33 Points: Natasha Howard (CBK Mersin) - 26 Rebounds: Steph Mavunga (Valencia Basket Club) - 11 Assists: Mariona Ortiz (Casademont Zaragoza) - 10 Steals: Mariona Ortiz (Casademont Zaragoza) - 5 Blocks: IIiana Rupert (CBK Mersin) - 3
Perfection for Turkish giants; Bourges bounce back as Okonkwo shines
Fenerbahce found a higher gear when they needed it at Umana Reyer Venezia as they eased away in the closing minutes to take a 79-71 road win. They are yet to taste defeat and sit proudly on top of Group F with a flawless record.
It was Gabby Williams and Emma Meesseman who spearheaded the 79-71 victory. French standout Williams recorded 20 points, 7 boards and 4 steals, with Meesseman adding 21 points, 8 boards and 5 assists.
Similarly Mersin are proving to be invincible in Group E and are now also 8-0 after they powered past an off-colour Beretta Famila Schio 86-52. The Italians had no answer to the amazing work of frontcourt duo Natasha Howard and Iliana Rupert.
The former was unstoppable in the first half and had 26 points and 8 rebounds. Howard passed the baton to Rupert and the French ace was sensational after the break, racking up 20 points, 9 boards and 3 blocks. Bourges needed to respond to their loss to French rivals Basket Landes during Week 7 and did so by outlasting Perfumerias Avenida 80-67. Amy Okonkwo was the hero in what feels like a huge win as they improve to 5-3 and Avenida fall to 3-5. The Nigerian forward showed out with 25 points and 8 rebounds. Also on Wednesday night, there was no need for the now 5-3 ZVVZ USK Praha to sweat too much over their game against KGHM BC Polkowice as they got on top from the start and cruised to an 82-45 success. Maria Conde caught the eye with an all-action 12 points, 9 rebounds, 7 assists and 3 steals.
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.
Results
Wednesday, December 18
CBK Mersin 86-52 Beretta Famila Schio ZVVZ USK Praha 82-45 KGHM BC Polkowice Umana Reyer Venezia 71-79 Fenerbahce Opet Tango Bourges Basket 80-67 Perfumerias Avenida
Tuesday, December 17 Valencia Basket Club 90-82 Casademont Zaragoza (OT) Zabiny Brno 69-65 Basket Landes
FIBA