Thomas and Stewart show out on debut, history for Carolo Basket

MUNICH (EuroLeague Women) - The opening night of the new EuroLeague Women season served up some spectacular debuts and a large slice of history.

There was a huge sense of anticipation around the first footsteps in the competition for FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup 2018 MVP Breanna Stewart and she didn't disappoint after dropping a superb 29 points and 11 boards.

That was enough for Dynamo Kursk to inflict heartbreak on TTT Riga with a 69-70 road success.

Alyssa Thomas also showed her WNBA quality as she came up with a super showing for ZVVZ USK Prague to help them win on their travels.

She put in an all-action effort that resulted in 21 points and 15 rebounds in a 78-83 victory in Orenburg.

Perhaps the biggest story of the night was Carolo Basket writing a new chapter in their history as they took a first ever EuroLeague Women win - at the first attempt. They did it in style by beating last season's Finalists, Sopron Basket 80-74. There were a number of excellent displays - including the returning Queralt Casas who marked her move back into the tournament with 18 points, 4 rebounds, 4 assists and 2 assists.

However, there was no maiden win for the other debutantes Olympiacos, who slipped up 54-63 at home to Fenerbahce.

Meanwhile Bourges Basket made a statement of intent as they popped the party balloon in Polkowice by breezing past the local favorites 56-73. 

 
Marine Johannes was back to her brilliant best with  a team-high 19 points and an array of top plays in the contest.

Elsewhere, UMMC Ekaterinburg tipped off the defense of their crown by rolling past ESBVA-LM 51-99  as Courtney Vandersloot missed out on a classy double-double by a solitary assist, while Castors Braine squeezed out an exciting 63-60 win against Famila Schio. 

For more on how the first day of action unfolded, check out our Live Blog. 

FIBA