ZARAGOZA (Spain) - There were celebrations for CIMSA CBK Mersin as they won a nail-biting and hard-fought EuroLeague Women Quarter-Final clash with Tango Bourges Basket 66-59 to move into Friday's Semi-Finals.
The Turkish side will match up against Valencia Basket Club having done the business in crunch time with a late surge and keeping Bourges scoreless in the last three minutes.
Turning point
At 59-59 with just a few minutes to play, the outcome was hanging in the balance. But Mersin shut down their opponents with their 2-3 zone defense and it helped spark a 7-0 run that effectively sealed the victory.
Game heroes
Karlie Samuelson impressed for Mersin with 11 points and 9 boards off the bench and her efficient production was a difference-maker. Meanwhile Natasha Howard was not at her best shooting-wise as she works her way back to full fitness, yet somehow still weighed in with 15 points and 10 rebounds.
Stats don't lie
The depth of Mersin was super important as they received 26 points off the bench compared to just 12 for their opponents. Bourges also put up a lot of perimeter shots, but only made just over a quarter with 7 of 27.
Bottom line
Mersin's ability to rotate deeper and use more options was fundamental to them digging out a precious win. While it wasn't pretty, the performance was never going to be the important thing - only the victory. They will feel they have the talent, star names and options to reach their second Final in three seasons.
Bourges did a great job of pushing Mersin all the way, but they missed far too many good looks in crunch time and that was the cause of their drought down the stretch. Their smart team basketball and physical approach was present again - as well as a nice display from playmaker Pauline Astier. But, it wasn't to be.
They said
"It was intense. The fans were amazing and energetic. Bourges played incredible and we knew they were going to play hard and put up a good fight. We were happy to pull out the win." CIMSA CBK Mersin winger Bridget Carleton
“Firstly, I am happy that we won the game. We played really well. I changed some defense in the game and we did this to break the Bourges team. And they made just 59 points and this is very important for us. But it was a tough game. I hope Friday [against Valencia] we can play even better.” CIMSA CBK head coach Ahmet Kandemir.
"It’s tough. I think we had a very good game today, .We executed our plan very well. We ar at the same numbers as with Mersin. We had a belief we would get the win. I am proud of the team. We will learn from today." Tango Bourges Basket forward Artemis Spanou
"It was a tough defeat. I told them we needed to make it a game and be the first fighting team on the floor and I am so proud of what we have done. We had to stay focused on what we could control. With the face we showed tonight, I am sad we did not win because I think my players deserved it." Tango Bourges head coach Olivier Lafargue.
FIBA