Praha pip Schio in dramatic Quarter-Finals opener; Fenerbahce, Sopron also land wins

MUNICH (Germany) - ZVVZ USK Praha came back from a double-digit deficit to claim an absorbing win against Beretta Famila Schio to headline the opening night of the EuroLeague Women Quarter-Finals.

For long periods, it had looked like the Czech club would have to succumb to a home loss, but a late rescue mission proved successful as the hosts outscored Schio 11-2 to finish the game and take a hard-fought triumph.

Their renaissance down the stretch was led by Maria Conde, with the Spaniard coming up with multiple clutch plays and eventually collecting a team-high 18 points. Teja Oblak was also instrumental in the success with 17 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists. Schio will be left kicking themselves for letting Praha off the hook. Sandrine Gruda's harvested 14 points and 10 boards for the Italian side in defeat.

Over in Hungary, Sopron Basket fans are celebrating after their team swept past BLMA 60-42 by locking down their French visitors in what was a defensively-dominated contest.

A one-sided 20-10 second quarter handed control to Sopron and they kept BLMA at arm's length for the rest of the game, with frontcourt duo Jelena Brooks and Bernadett Hatar causing most damage. The pair combined for 32 points, with Brooks also pulling down 10 rebounds. 

Fenerbahce Safiport confirmed their status as a frontrunner in this season's title race after easing past TTT Riga 77-56 off the back of some excellent performances by their big-hitters.

On top from tip to buzzer, Satou Sabally starred with 17 points and 10 rebounds, with Elizabeth Williams also claiming a double-double of 11 points and 10 boards - and handing out 5 assists. It was Kayla McBride who brought the noise from the backcourt, adding 18 points, while Alina Iagupova weighed in with an all-action 15 points, 5 rebounds, 5 steals and 4 assists.

The remaining series of the Quarter-Finals, between Perfumerias Avenida and Spar Girona, tips off with Game 1 on Wednesday March 9.

FIBA