MUNICH (Germany) - It proved to be an eventful Wednesday night as Casademont Zaragoza continued their winning streak with a brilliant overtime success, while it wasn't the only close game played out.

Cukurova Basketbol Mersin dodged a bullet, with Virtus Segafredo Bologna ending their worrying losing run. Meanwhile, on Tuesday evening, a breathtaking display from LDLC ASVEL Feminin handed a first loss to Fenerbahce Alagoz Holding.

No stopping high-flying Zaragoza after overtime classic

The Game of the Week certainly lived up to its billing as Casademont Zaragoza claimed a pulsating 70-68 win against DVTK HUN-Therm to draw level on a 9-2 record with their Group A rivals. The victory was a sixth in a row for the EuroLeague Women newcomers and cheered by another huge and impressive crowd in the Spanish city.

The in-form Mariona Ortiz was instrumental in the win for the home side as she came up with 12 points, 8 rebounds and 6 assists.  Kaila Charles did her best to inspire DVTK, but suffered defeat despite 19 points and 10 rebounds.

Cukurova survive a scare in Landes

Early season frontrunners Cukurova Basketbol Mersin were staring down the barrel of an unthinkable third loss in a row but survived a scare to scrape past Basket Landes 72-70. The French hosts were inspired by a massive 13 assists from Marie Pardon and a season best 24 points from Angela Salvadores which put Cukurova under huge pressure.

However, the Turkish visitors kept their composure during crunch time to seal the deal, with Elizabeth Williams hugely important. The frontcourt ace harvested 12 points, 10 rebounds and a phenomenal six blocks, while Marina Mabrey did the business in the backcourt with 21 points. 

Virtus breathe a sigh of relief after snapping losing streak

Having had five straight defeats to their name, the heat was turned right up on Virtus Segafredo Bologna, but they finally ended their barren run by beating Serco UNI Gyor 76-70. A commanding 28-17 start gave them the confidence they needed to push on against a Gyor team also going through a drought. 

Olbis Andre was the start of the show with 14 points and 13 boards, while Cecilia Zandalasini also produced a top performance with 13 points, 6 rebounds and 6 assists.

ASVEL avenge SuperCup Women defeat

Having had to stomach a hugely one-sided SuperCup Women 2023 defeat on their home floor, as well as a crushing defeat in Istanbul, there was some sweet revenge for LDLC ASVEL Feminin as they beat previously unbeaten Fenerbahce Alagoz Holding 89-81 in a fabulous and absorbing encounter. 

It went to crunch time and a 10-0 surge for ASVEL with Alexia Chery making some key buckets got the job done. The forward shared 38 points with Gabby Williams, while the defeat was tough on Natasha Howard who had 24 points and 15 boards, as well as Fenerbahce teammate Kayla McBride who had 22 points, 8 rebounds and 7 assists. 

Highs

Efficiency: 34 – Kariata Diaby (Villeneuve D'Ascq LM)
Points: 26 – Kariata Diaby (Villeneuve D'Ascq LM)
Rebounds: 15 – Natasha Howard (Fenerbahce Alagoz Holding)  
Assists: 13 – Marie Pardon (Basket Landes)
Steals: 5 –  Queralt Casas (Valencia Basket Club)
Blocks: 6– Elizabeth Williams (Cukurova Basketbol Mersin)

Tuesday, December 12

Group A
LDLC ASVEL Feminin 89-81 Fenerbahce Alagoz Holding 

Wednesday, December 13

Group A
Casademont Zaragoza  70-68 DVTK HUN-Therm 
Beretta Famila Schio  88-72 ACS Sepsi-SIC 
Polski Cukier AZS UMCS Lublin 60-87 Valencia Basket Club 

Group B
ZVVZ USK Praha 72-56 KGHM BC Polkowice 
Basket Landes 70-72 Cukurova Basketbol Mersin 
Villeneuve d'Ascq LM 82-58 Perfumerias Avenida 
Virtus Segafredo Bologna 76-70 Serco UNI Gyor 

FIBA