Praha seal Quarter-Finals slot; Schio stun Fenerbahce

MUNICH (Germany) - There was plenty of excitement on Gameday 11 as ZVVZ USK Praha became only the second team to secure a Quarter-Finals ticket, while Beretta Famila Schio turned heads by beating the defending champions.

Casademont Zaragoza moved a step closer to the Play-Offs, as ahey completed a nail-biting win against ASVEL, while there was also high drama in Italy as Virtus Segafredo Bologna continued their renaissance by edging out Villeneuve d'Ascq LM.

Elsewhere, Polski Cukier AZS UMCS  shut down DVTK HUN-Therm to deny their opponents a post-season spot for now at least, while were important road wins for Cukurova Basketbol Mersin and Valencia Basket Club,  Basket Landes took a much needed victory on their home court.

Praha put on a show to make the post-season

It's the Quarter-Finals for ZVVZ USK Praha too as the Group B leaders extended their winning streak to a fantastic nine games to remain unbeaten on their home floor. The 78-64 victory against Perfumerias Avenida was fueled by a positive start and strong team effort.

The hosts did the damage in the opening half and their 18-point cushion at the break came in useful for when Avenida slowed them down after the action resumed. Maria Conde and Teja Oblak both dropped 17 points, with the latter handing out 6 assists. Ezi Magbegor did the business in the frontcourt with 12 points and 9 rebounds. 

Schio take down reigning champions

There were big celebrations for Beretta Famila Schio after they downed Fenerbahce Alagoz Holding 73-67 in a result that provided not only a massive boost of morale, but also saw their prospects of making the Quarter-Finals soar as they improved to 7-4.

A superb third quarter was the difference-maker, with Schio outscoring the Istanbul juggernauts 29-17 and that gave them the springboard to push on for the win. - as did some super perimeter shooting. Arella Guirantes led the home side with 21 points, with Emma Meesseman responding by dropping 18 points in defeat. 

Zaragoza survive big test against ASVEL to move towards last eight

Rookies Casademont Zaragoza had to fend off a late salvage mission from LDLC ASVEL Feminin to secure what could be a priceless and exciting 63-60 home win as they moved to the cusp of a place in the Quarter-Finals. It was another absorbing success for the first-timers and again played out in front of a huge crowd.

The visitors almost forced overtime as they tried to sink a three in the closing seconds but it wasn't to be and their hopes have went up in smoke. But the celebrations on the buzzer said it all about Zaragoza who rode their luck but came out on top thanks mainly to leader Leonie Fiebich, who delivered a double-double of 12 points and 12 boards.

Virtus continue their revival by pipping Villeneuve
It was time to chew the finger nails in this one as Virtus Segafredo Bolgona completed a gripping 65-62 triumph against Villeneuve d'Ascq LM to make it three wins in a row. Their newfound momentum has given them the impetus to make a push for the Quarter-Finals and the win against one of their closest rivals could prove vital.

It was an absorbing encounter with the hosts actually trailing by a point with a minute to go, but Francesca Pasa finished the job in the last sixty seconds or so from the free-throw line to see her team to the win. Fittingly, she netted 24 points and was the star of the game.

Valencia get back on track as Iagupova debuts

Having won just once in six games, the pressure was on Valencia Basket Club and helped by the recent addition of Alina Iagupova, they kept their Quarter-Final hopes alive with a much needed 71-61 victory against ACS Sepsi-SIC. 

While all ayes were on the prolific Ukrainian after her switch from Cukurova, it was Queralt Casas who stole the show with 21 points as she went 8 of 11 from the field to improve her team's record to 5-6. 

Highs

Efficiency: 28 – Marina Mabrey (Cukurova Basketbol Mersin)
Points: 25 – Marina Mabrey (Cukurova Basketbol Mersin)
Rebounds: 13 – Elin Gustavsson (Polski Cukier AZS UMCS Lublin)
Assists: 9 –  Weronika Gajda (KGHM BC Polkowice); Marina Mabrey (Cukurova Basketbol Mersin)
Steals: 6 –  Olivia Epoupa (Cukurova Basketbol Mersin)
Blocks: 3 – Dragana Stankovic (KGHM BC Polkowice)

Wednesday, January 10

Group A
ACS Sepsi-SIC 61-71 Valencia Basket Club 
Polski Cukier AZS UMCS Lublin 56-37 DVTK HUN-Therm
Casademont Zaragoza 63-60 LDLC ASVEL Feminin

Group B
KGHM BC Polkowice 59-66 Cukurova Basketbol Mersin  
ZVVZ USK Praha 78-64 Perfumerias Avenida  
Basket Landes 83-75 Serco UNI Gyor
Virtus Segafredo Bologna 65-62 Villeneuve d'Ascq

Thursday, January 11

Group A
Beretta Famila Schio 75-67 Fenerbahce Alagoz Holding 

FIBA