Beat The Expert: Can Zaragoza complete a double over arch rivals Valencia?
MUNICH (Germany) - As three weeks of the Regular Season remain, there are many Quarter-Finals tickets still on offer, with Casademont Zaragoza looking to advance with a win at Valencia Basket Club.
That would be quite something for the newcomers, if they can accomplish the feat on the home floor of their arch rivals and that is why this mouth-watering all-Spanish clash picks up 'Game of the Week' status. There are seven matchups to enjoy on Wednesday night and one further duel 24 hours later to savor.
The heat is also on for the 'Beat the Expert' challenge, with fans having the chance to predict the winners, while there could barely be a bigger name in our 'Guest' slot as we turn to the one and only Breanna Stewart for her picks.
Game of the Week: Valencia Basket Club vs Casademont Zaragoza
The home side picked up a precious road win at ACS Sepsi-SIC last week to improve to 5-6 in Group A, but their chances of progressing to the post-season took a blow when Beretta Famila Schio beat leaders Fenerbahce Alagoz Holding 24 hours later. It makes this a must-win game for Valencia to stand any chance of a Quarter-Finals berth
Casademont Zaragoza are sat in third place with an impressive 8-3 record and find themselves just one win away from advancing - but can they get it done on the road? Or will Valencia deny them their moment?
You can watch the live broadcast of the game between Valencia Basket Club vs Casademont Zaragoza with commentary on the EuroLeague Women YouTube channel on Wednesday, January 17 at 19:15 CET.
Key matchup: All eyes will inevitably be on Alina Iagupova and Leonie Fiebich. The former will make her home debut for Valencia and be expected to turn up the dial for them on offense - something she is certainly capable of doing as one of the most free-scoring players in the female game.
However, she may also end up with a tough defensive job to do as well, since she has the size and athleticism to challenge Zaragoza star baller, Fiebich who will once again carry the weight of her team's hopes on her shoulders. Her ability to make clutch shots and grab vital rebounds will again be key in her team's quest to make history with a first Quarter-Finals spot.
Predictions: The Expert vs Breanna Stewart
Each week our resident EuroLeague Women expert Paul Nilsen faces a different guest challenger in our prediction game. Fans also have the opportunity to test their prediction skills in the voting below. The first 11 weeks have seen the fans keep their lead - but only just ahead of the expert, with the guests still currently trailing.
Our guest for Week 12 is a player who needs little introduction. The incredible Breanna Stewart is renowned as the best baller in the women's game and was Final Four MVP last season when she took Fenerbahce Alagoz Holding to their first ever title.
Do you have what it takes?
Predict the winners of this week's games below:
Season predictions so far:
The Expert: 67/88 (76%)
The Guest: 60/88 (68%)
The Fans: 68/88 (77%)
Question of the Week: Who will have the best Regular Season record?
With just three games remaining, it is looking like ZVVZ USK Praha (10-1) and Fenerbahce Alagoz Holding (9-2) are locked in a battle to finish with the best record of the Regular Season.
But who will get it done - or, is someone else like DVTK HUN-Therm or Casademont Zaragoza going to ride in and beat or equal their final win/loss tally?
Let us know what you think in the poll below!
FIBA
