FIBA Basketball

    EuroLeague Women Week 1 Social media spotlight and reaction

    MUNICH (EuroLeague Women) - The first game day of the new EuroLeague Women season is in the books and we see how it played out on social media and catch up with some of the main participants.

    MUNICH (EuroLeague Women) - The first game day of the new EuroLeague Women season is in the books and we see how it played out on social media and catch up with some of the main participants.

    The biggest headline was written by Yakin Dogu Universitesi as they got their first-ever win in the competition with a tense 67-64 win against Famila Schio. Kayla McBride was a difference-maker, hitting the big triple to set up victory

    "We started the game with some difficulties on both ends of the floor," said the guard.

    "But we knew that we would come back and realized how important it is for us to protect our home court. Everyone took responsibilities when needed and we are aware that every EuroLeague Women game is tough and we're looking forward to these next games."


    Even if she has seen it all, veteran Ann Wauters still enjoyed it hugely!

    Also in Istanbul, much has been made of the new chapter being written at Fenerbahce with many new faces.


    But, it was a familiar face in captain Birsel Vardarli Demirmen leading the congratulations after a tough 67-61 win against Nadezhda.

    Even for those players who weren't on winning teams, there were positives - including a superb debut in the competition by Antonia Delaere.


    Marta Xargay was a hero for ZVVZ USK Prague, leading her team by example against Tango Bourges in a real roller-coaster affair that resulted in a 64-61 success.

    "It was a very tough game," mused the Spaniard, with Prague also underpinned by a near double-double by center Amanda Zahui.

    "I think we started the way we planned," continued Xargay.

    "We wanted to run, keep the rhythm high and that's why we were winning by 10 at half time. But then we had a harder quarter. They pressed us a little bit more, they were aggressive with defense so we could not score easily like we did in beginning.

    "I guess there are a lot of things to work on. But, it's the first game and we will get through it, keep working and be better."

    The meeting between ESBVA-LM and CCC Polkowice always seemed pivotal, even if it is only the first week of the season. Nevena Jovanovic was happy with a win for the hosts.

    But, it was frustrating for CCC Polkowice who were without the influential Theresa Plaisance and Temi Fagbenle. While Bria Holmes scored 18 points along with team-mate Alysha Clark, it proved to be a bittersweet experience.

    She said: "We just came up short, but it's back to the drawing board. We have to expect the unexpected and be ready for whatever comes our way, but that's what practice is for. We have to work even harder and fix our mistakes."

    There were some great highlights, including this play from Spanish forward Laura Quevedo, as Avenida sailed past BLMA.


    Finally, another Spanish protagonist, in new Sopron Basket head coach Roberto Iniguez, opened up with a massive 72-55 success against the visiting Galatasaray.

    "Looking at the scoreboard, it might have seemed to be an easy game for us, but it wasn't easy at all.

    "We had to play focused throughout the whole game against a very good team who played full-court press.

    "One win doesn't mean that we are the best in the world. I'm happy, but we have to keep working and take every game one by one," concluded Iniguez.

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