Fenerbahce clinch first Quarter-Finals ticket; Bourges, Girona, Mersin also earn wins

MUNICH (Germany) - Fenerbahce Alagoz Holding have booked their place in the last eight of this season's EuroLeague Women after taking their 10th straight win by easing out ZVVZ USK Praha on the road.

However, it was far from straightforward, with the home team causing Fenerbahce plenty of problems throughout. The visitors eventually got the job done with a 73-66 triumph, also becoming the first team to pass 1,000 points this season to add extra satisfaction.

And, with even more to come after the signing of Courtney Vandersloot who didn't feature, many people are now viewing the 10-2 Fenerbahce as champions in waiting.

Breanna Stewart and Satou Sabally were the standout performers, the former stepping off court with 18 points, while Sabally came up with 14 points, 6 rebounds and 6 assists. Praha fall to 8-4 and the loss was tough on Valeriane Vukosavljevic after accumulating 23 points and 10 rebounds.

CBK Mersin Yenisehir Bld climbed to the top of Group B after another super show from DeWanna Bonner and a big last quarter carried them past Beretta Famila Schio 79-67.  The experienced Bonner has come alive in recent weeks in a big way and torched the Italians with a double-double of 20 points and 10 boards, as well as 4 assists.

Mersin hit a higher gear in the final 10 minutes, outscoring Schio 24-15 to get the job done and ensure both clubs are now locked up with eight wins and four losses. Schio had been searching for a fourth straight win, but didn't have enough, with only Marina Mabrey impressing with 16 points, 6 rebounds and 6 assists.

Spar Girona jumped into fourth spot in Group B with an improved 7-5 record after taming DVTK Hun-Therm 74-56 on the road. Bouncing back from their loss to Sopron last week, this Hungarian trip was more enjoyable, with the success built around a smart three-pronged contribution.

Center Marianna Tolo made 6 of 8 from the field for 15 points, also doing the job defensively with a couple of steals and a huge block. Maria Araujo contributed 18 points, 6 rebounds and 3 steals, while Rebekah Gardner showed her leadership skills and netted 14 points. DVTK are now 6-6 and were left cursing their poor three-point shooting after making just 3 from 15 attempts in the absence of Arella Guirantes.

Meanwhile, back in Group A, there was a solid 77-61 win for Tango Bourges Basket at Atomeromu KSC Szekszard, with the French club jumping up to third place temporarily with a 7-5 record. It was a stunning 28-11 end to the game that sealed the victory, with guard duo Alix Duchet and Yvonne Anderson also both lighting it up from long range.

Duchet made 5 of 7 from downtown en-route to a game-high 20 points, also handing out 7 assists in her best game of the campaign, while Anderson weighed in with 15 points, 6 assists, 5 rebounds and making 4 of 5 from outside. Ruth Hebard replied with 13 points and 10 boards in defeat.

Four more games are on the Gameday 12 menu on Wednesday including Sopron Basket with a chance to confirm their place in the last eight.

FIBA