History flows in Qualifiers as multiple rookies land Regular Season spots

MUNICH (Germany) - A strong theme emerged on the last night of the EuroCup Women Qualifiers as more clubs wrapped up historic first-ever spots in the Regular Season.

There was drama as once four-time EuroLeague Women champions and former EuroCup Women winners Sparta&K M.R. Vidnoje were pipped 73-69 by Pszczolka Polski Cukier AZS UMCS Lublin as the visitors won by five points in the tie.

Unique Thompson had 27 points and 16 boards, but Lublin had two star performers in Kamiah Smalls who had 22 points and 5 assists while Natasha Mack weighed in with 15 points and 14 rebounds.

London Lions fell to a 67-56 defeat at Spar Gran Canaria but still progressed courtesy of a huge first-leg victory. Carla Brito Hernandez netted 17 points for the hosts.

Budapest outfit Ludovika-FCSM Csata stamped their first-ever pass with an 81-79 win at A3 Basket Umea which built on their 15-point first-leg victory. Stasha Carey was the standout performer with a sparkling shooting display returning 19 points.

Spanish club Duran Maquinara Ensino were the last newcomer to get it done as they overturned a narrow one-point loss in Italy against La Molisana Magnolia to take a landmark 66-55 triumph. Center Georgina Bahi was unstoppable with 5 of 6 from the floor for 16 points and 8 rebounds.

Elsewhere and away from those making history, Turkish duo Hatayspor and Elazig Il Ozel Idare both advanced, with the former storming past Elitzur Holon 90-52 with Kalani Brown on fire with 23 points and 15 rebounds. It was Kolby Morgan who showed out for Elazig, dropping 28 points in an 80-76 victory against AC PAOK to advance by eight points on aggregate. 

Polskieprzetwory Bydgoszcz eased into the next phase of the competition with another win against Eleftheria Moschatou, this time prevailing 74-61 behind 14 points, 14 rebounds and 5 assists from Laura Miskiniene. Flammes Carolo Basket eased past Piestansky Cajky with another commanding win, this time 78-54.

Lastly Haukar of Iceland will play in the Regular Season after an amazing roller-coaster against Sportiva AzorisHotels. Leading by five points from the first leg last week, they started the seocnd meeting 21-2 behind but managed to narrow to an 81-79 loss which was enough to see them make it. The legendary Helena Sverrisdottir showed out with a stellar 32 points.

FIBA