Mersin douse the flames, grab last Quarter-Final spot

MUNICH (EuroCup Women) - Mersin have defended their 9-point buffer from the first leg of their clash with Flammes Carolo Basket, holding off the French outfit, 86-84, to claim the last Quarter-Final ticket.

The EuroCup Women Quarter-Finalists are ESBVA-LM, Galatasaray, Hatay BB, Mersin, Nadezhda, Perfumerias Avenida, Reyer Venezia and Spar Citylift Girona. The Draw will take place on Friday, at 12:00 CET, in Munich, Germany.

Turning Point: Down 22-27 early in the second frame, Marica Gajic nailed three three-pointers on a 16-5 run that put Mersin up by 6. Flammes Carolo Basket came back close more than once, but it was clear that the visitors' 9-point lead from the first leg would not be threatened. 

Game Hero: Bosnia and Herzegovina international Gajic has been a revelation for club, and country, this past season, turning in another stellar performance that harvested 19 points, 8 rebounds and 5 assists. Sure, it was not the biggest return on the night, but it was her second-quarter daggers that calmed Mersin and set the tone for the game.

Stats Don't Lie: Mersin were getting it done in threes, nailing 15-of-28 (53.6%), whilst the hosts could only manage 10-of-29 (34.5%)

Bottom Line: Carolo Basket entered the Round of 8 undefeated, but failed to deliver at the business end of the season. Mersin join fellow Turkish clubs Galatasaray and Hatay in Friday's EuroCup Women Quarter-Final Draw. 

FIBA