Historic wins for Zaragoza and Villeneuve as deciders await; Fenerbahce into Final Four

MUNICH (Germany) - There was drama in the second games of the Quarter-Finals as reigning champions Fenerbahce Alagoz Holding made the Final Four with six other clubs still fighting for the other three spots.

There was history for Villeneuve d'Ascq LM and Casademont Zaragoza who claimed their first ever victories in the last eight stage to level against DVTK HUN-Therm and Cukurova Basketbol Mersin.

Meanwhile, Beretta Famila Schio sunk ZVVZ USK Praha to also take it to a third game next Wednesday.

Fenerbahce come from behind to take title defense into Final Four

It looked like there might be a third and deciding game next week in Istanbul after Perfumerias Avenida played superbly in the first half of their game at home to Fenerbahce Alagoz Holding, but the visitors eventually claimed a hard-fought 73-67 success to propel themselves to their almost customary Final Four place.

Some excellent team play from Avenida had put Fenerbahce on the ropes in the early stages, but the holders were a different team after the interval. They came out and started to dictate as they outscored their hosts 22-6 which turned the tide completely.

Four Fenerbahce players made double-digits in scoring with a 14-point and 10-rebound double-double from Nikolina Milic catching the eye.

Drama as Zaragoza celebrate first QF win

An electrifying and noisy atmosphere was the backdrop for another famous and historical night for Casademont Zaragoza as they scraped a 57-56 win against Cukurova Basketbol Mersin to cement their first Quarter-Finals victory. 

 
It looked like their fairytale season was coming to an end when trailing by 8 points, but a stunning 16-0 start to the second half catapulted them right into the game and they dug it out down the stretch.

Although the entire Arena had to hold a collective breath when ironically a Spaniard, Maria Araujo missed a wide open three in the corner for Cukurova on the buzzer. Christelle Diallo top scored for the winning team after sinking 14 points.

QF rookies Villeneuve survive a scare

It was a similar story for Villeneuve d'Ascq LM who also claimed a maiden win at this stage of the competition and it was a close call for them too, eventually outlasting DVTK HUN-Therm 63-59. 

 
The sense of relief was palpable as it had looked like the chances of making a first Final Four were up in smoke when they misfired in the first quarter and fell as many as 15 points behind. But Villeneuve rallied and in a turnaround from the first meeting between the sides when DVTK were the comeback queens, this time the French club composed themselves.

It was mostly due to a super display from Janelle Salaun who had a brilliant 24 points, while Kennedy Burke weighed in with 19. But it was the 23 turnovers that the visitors committed which was the true standout number. 

Schio live to fight another day

A couple of powerful middle quarters from Beretta Famila Schio was a big difference as they came back from last week's disappointing defeat in the Czech capital to claim a 73-61 win against ZVVZ USK Praha. With their opponents missing Teja Oblak who has sustained a serious injury, they capitalized and turned the screw in the second period.

Outscoring their opponents 23-12 they took control and helped by smart perimeter shooting, continued their good work when the game resumed after the break.

Dorka Juhasz was monstrous on the glass with 13 big boards, Giorgia Sottana dished out 6 assists to go with 13 points and Arella Guirantes led the way with 17 points. The loss was tough on Valeriane Ayayi who posted an all-action 19 points, 7 rebounds and 5 assists in defeat.

Highs

Efficiency: 24 - Valeriane Ayayi (ZVVZ USK Praha), Nikolina Milic (Fenerbahce Algoz Holding)
Points: 24 - Janelle Salaun (Villeneuve d'Asq LM)
Rebounds: 13 - Dorka Juhasz (Beretta Famila Schio)
Assists: 7  -  Sevgi Uzun (Fenerbahce Alagoz Holding) 
Steals: 3 - Multiple players
Blocks: 1 - Multiple Players

Wednesday, February 28

Quarter-Finals
Casademont Zaragoza 57-56 Cukurova Basketbol Mersin 
Villeneuve d'Ascq LM 63-59 DVTK HUN-Therm
Beretta Famila Schio 73-61 ZVVZ USK Praha 
Perfumerias Avenida 67-73 Fenerbahce Alagoz Holding  

FIBA