Maltsi believes, Morris wants more and defense is key for Ursu
MUNICH (EuroCup Women) - The first leg games of the Round of 16 are done and dusted and we have been getting all the reaction to the first EuroCup Women action of 2018.
One of the most fiercely competitive games of the week came in Athens when Olympiacos eventually outlasted Spar Citylift Girona 65-60 in what proved to be a game of runs in a real roller-coaster affair.
. @OlympiacosSFP win rollercoaster against @unigirona in the #EuroCupWomen 🏀!
— EuroCup Women (@EuroCupWomen) January 4, 2018
📊 https://t.co/FvR0AQIV87 pic.twitter.com/DvDAQthSqt
The result left Greek legend Evanthia Maltsi relieved and in no doubt as to how difficult the second leg will be in Spain next week – even with a modest lead.
She stated: "It was a tough game. Girona is a very strong team and the second game will be completely different at their home.
"I believe that we are ready to win and we showed how much we wanted it – even if they played better than us and seemed more focused in the game. This is something we have to work on.
"They have a really good and strong team at this level, but we believe in ourselves and next week we have to improve more and we have to reduce the mistakes in our game, so I am looking forward for the game at Girona," she added.
One player Olympiacos must lock down is Nicole Romeo, who plundered 22 points and 5 assists in the Greek capital.
She said: "It was a tough and physical game, but we knew that it would be like this coming into it.
"We must recap as a group and be prepared for their physicality as we are going to see that same thing in the game next week," warned the guard.
Another tie relatively balanced is the one between Sleza Wroclaw and KSC Szekszard after the Polish side had led by 15 points in the last quarter on the road, but had to settle for a 77-72 win in Hungary as their opponents reduced the damage with a late run.
"I want to congratulate the opposing team as they are strong," conceded Wroclaw star Sonia Ursu, who racked up an eye-catching 22 points.
"We came prepared and in every game, it is defense that is the key to our success. We came to win, but we had several moments when they came back. I know they will come even stronger in our home game next week too.
"It's going to be hard in the second game and everything is possible in basketball, so I'm sure we all bring our best and hopefully our defense will give us another win."
One team looking well set for the Round of 8 are Mersin, who took down the previously unbeaten TTT Riga 88-70.
Takımımızın galibiyet selfiesi📸#mersinbsbspor #eurocupwomen pic.twitter.com/bHKqf4Q6GV
— Mersin BŞB Spor (@MersinBldSpor) January 4, 2018
After the customary selfie, the task will be to ensure they hold firm next week in the Latvian capital.
Another team staring elimination squarely in the face are Good Angels Kosice, who crashed 69-55 at Basket Landes – much to the disappointment of Darxia Morris.
She declared: "I'm very disappointed at how we played as a team, because we just didn't play Good Angels basketball at all. We weren't hitting shots and defensivley, we could have done a lot better.
"It's a good thing we have another game against them soon. We just have to watch film, learn from our mistakes and be ready to play in our own house next week," confirmed Morris.
FIBA
