Girona stun Galatasaray to leap towards last four; Besiktas, London and Reyer also victorious

MUNICH (Germany) - The first leg games of the EuroCup Women Quarter-Finals returned big wins for Spar Girona, Besiktas, Umana Reyer Venice and London Lions who all look well set to make the Semi-Finals.

While there are undoubtedly some twists and turns to follow in the second leg games next week, the quarter all produced performances that provided a platform to jump to the last four of the tournament. 

Go-time for Girona as they hit top gear

Spar Girona have given themselves an incredible opportunity of making it to the Semi-Finals after a packed Arena rejoiced in roaring them to a memorable 77-64 success against Galatasaray Cagdas Factoring. With the game on paper looking to be a tight one, the hosts tore up the script with a high-octane and wholly impressive display.

There had not been much in it, but Girona put their foot on the gas in the second half.  Galatasaray couldn't live with them and the victory was mostly founded on a great team effort with four players reaching double-digits in points. Sandra Ygueravide stood out with 15 points, 6 rebounds and 5 assists. Nalyssa Smith was the top performer for Galatasaray with 16 points and 12 rebounds.

Besiktas build big advantage over Montpellier

The momentum is still seemingly with Besiktas after the Istanbul side followed up their beating of former top seeds Bourges by taking the scalp of another French club with a 73-59 home win against Lattes-Montpellier. A super first-half was the key, with the home side enjoying a lead as big as 20 points.

Yueru Li had a night to forget shooting wise, but her 13 rebounds were precious, with Jovana Nogic standing out after adding 17 points and 7 assists. Lattes-Montpellier rallied in the last quarter to limit the damage and give themselves a shot in the return game, helped mostly by 21 points and 4 steals from forward Garance Rabot. 

Shepard shows out again as Reyer ride past Riga

Another towering performance from Jessica Shepard fueled a win for Umana Reyer Venice as they moved past TTT Riga 83-70 in the Latvian capital. The center was the difference-maker as she led the way for the Italians with a stellar and powerful double-double of 16 points and 14 rebounds.

Guard Lisa Berkani also did the business with some nice moved in a 16-point offering. The Italian visitors were absolutely dominant in the opening half of action as they raced into a 19-point lead. Even if the home side pushed to get back into the reckoning behind 22 and 20 points from Ieva Pulvere and Vanesa Jasa, Reyer kept them at arms' length. 

Lions make it rain in Kayseri

A couple of standout displays from Karlie Samuelson and Megan Gustafson formed the centerpiece of London Lions' excellent 87-79 success on the road at Melikgazi Kayseri - as well as some devastating three-point shooting. The British side went off from long-range and dropped a stunning 15 triples in the contest.

Samuelson starred after claiming 25 points, with Gustafson going one better and dropping 26. They both prospered from the hand of Shey Peddy who passed the rock 10 times on her debut with a double-double of 15 points and 10 boards from Temi Fagbenle also key. The defeat was tough on Dearic Hamby who had 23 points and 13 rebounds.

Highs

Efficiency: 31 – Dearica Hamby (Melikgazi Kayseri)
Points: 26 – Megan Gustafson (London Lions)
Rebounds: 14 – Jessica Shepard (Umana Reyer Venezia)
Assists: 10 – Sheylani Peddy (London Lions)
Steals: 4 – Garance Rabot (Lattes-Montpellier); Yueru Li (Besiktas)
Blocks: 2 – Multiple Players

Thursday, February 22

Melikgazi Kayseri 79-87 London Lions
Besiktas 73-59 Lattes-Montpellier
TTT Riga 70-83 Umana Reyer Venice
Spar Girona 77-64 Galatasaray Cagdas Factoring 

FIBA