Fenerbahce Safiport light it up late to reach the title decider

ISTANBUL (Turkey) - Fenerbahce Safiport are celebrating making the EuroLeague Women Final after a fantastic fourth quarter paved the way for an 83-74 Semi-Final success against ZVVZ USK Praha.

Backed by a large and passionate home crowd, Fenerbahce had to overturn a 12-point deficit to make it to the title game, with some sharp-shooting from downtown the difference-maker.

Turning point: Fenerbahce Safiport were on the ropes in the third quarter, but a combination of ZVVZ USK Praha losing star winger Maria Conde to a shoulder injury and then making three huge triples early in the fourth period proved a momentum-shifter. Amanda Zahui hit a huge outside score either side of a pair of three-pointers by Kayla McBride to give the hosts nine quick points and set them on the way to victory.

Game hero(es): While Alina Iagupova will take the headlines for her excellent 24 points, 7 assists, 4 rebounds and 4 steals, there was also a hugely important contribution from Amanda Zahui.

She stepped off the bench to provide a lot of energy, get the crowd going and also do some great work on the court. She stretched the floor more for Fenerbahce and eventually finished with 18 points, 4 rebounds and 2 blocks.

Stats Don't Lie: There was a gulf between the respective three-point shooting of both teams, with ZVVZ USK Praha a near barren 1-of-13 and Fenerbahce catching fire from long-range and sinking 11-of-26.

Bottom line: Fenerbahce were far from convincing for almost 30 minutes. But, lifted by the home support and some smart adjustments, once some big outside scores started dropping, they came alive in a big way. They looked like champions elect during the last six or seven minutes and are now just one win away from that overdue and elusive first EuroLeague Women trophy.

ZVVZ USK Praha played well for a large chunk of the game, but a lack of depth was telling. As soon as one of their starting five headliners went down, it was always going to be a major struggle and so it proved. Teja Oblak, Brionna Jones and Alyssa Thomas all had strong games, but it wasn't enough and they will now play Perfumerias Avenida in the Third Place game on Sunday.

"I was proud of how we fought. It was up and down. It was a team effort. Amanda Zahui played an incredible game. It was not easy. Prague are a great team with great players. I am proud of how we played from top to bottom. It was a collective effort and that is the best way to win." - Fenerbahce Safiport guard, Kayla McBride.

"I would like to say thank you to our fans. Their support was amazing when we were down. We were super tired in the game and I told my players during a timeout they were amazing and they just had to come together. I am proud of them and in this atmosphere, anything is possible." - Fenerbahce Safiport head coach, Victor Lapena

"It was a game of two halves. We went away from our transition basketball and from what was working. We did not get the stops we needed and the momentum shifted from us." - ZVVZ USK Praha standout, Alyssa Thomas.

"I think for three quarters we played well and did what we wanted to do. It was was crucial when Maria Conde went out injured. My possibilities in the last part of the game were short. We are really not happy about it, but it happened and we have to be ready for Sunday." - ZVVZ USK Praha head coach, Natalia Hejkova.

FIBA