PIESTANY (EuroCup Women 2017) – There was joy on Wednesday night for five clubs who all safely stamped their pass to the EuroCup Women 2017 Regular Season.

The most dramatic game came in Piestany where there was crushing disappointment for the home fans who watched Piestanske Cajky squander their 10-point lead from the game at PEAC-Pecs, to eventually fall 78-64 on their own floor. Pecs were hot from downtown and that proved vital as Diana Furesz dropped 3-of-3 from long-range to add a handy 11 points, while completing a smart effort with 3 assists and 3 steals. PEAC-Pecs will go into Group B and face MBA Moscow, Agu Spor and two derby clashes with PINKK-Pesci 424.

The performance of the night arguably came from Swiss outfit Elfic Fribourg who overturned 10 points worth of arrears against Basket 90 Gdynia to claim a memorable 85-52 triumph on a memorable night. Once again, Jazmine Davis was a leading light and she took her tally to 53 points in this tie after amassing 21 points. But the star performer was Annie Tarakchian who had a brilliant 19 points, 15 rebounds and 5 assists. Fribourg will play in Group G against Basket Landes, Umana Reyer Venezia and Cavigal Nice Basket.

Newcomers Rutronik Stars Keltern made more history as they reached the main phase of the competition by completing an impressive double over KP Brno. Having won by 10 points at home, the visitors soared to a 73-55 success on the road as Jasmine Thomas, Marina Markovic and Maja Vucerovic all attained double-digits, with the latter completing a double-double by adding 10 rebounds to her 14 points. The German rookies will play in Group F against Club Uniao Sportiva, Spar Citylift Girona and Castors Braine.

There were also celebrations for French duo Flammes Carolo Basket and Nantes Reze who also advanced to the Regular Season. The former claimed a comfortable 80-57 win against Eisvogel USC Freiburg - a result that came after a seven-point win in the opening game in Germany.

Amel Bouderra had nine assists to catapult her team into Group H where they will play Umea Udominate, Lulea BBK and TSV 1880 Wasserburg.

Holding a lead of 21 points from their trip to the Netherlands, Nantes Reze managed to progress but needed that cushion after falling 82-77 to Amsterdam Angels. Loyce Bettonvil had 20 points and 9 boards for the winning side, with Katherine Plouffe amassing 19 points and 10 rebounds in defeat. Nantes will compete in Group E with Virtus Eirene Ragusa, Basketball Nymburk and Namur.

FIBA