MUNICH (Germany) - The EuroCup Women Qualifiers first leg games are in the books as BAXI Ferrol, Saarlouis Royals, C'Chartes Metropole Basket Feminin and GEAS Basket all claimed wins on Thursday night.
That came off the back of Israeli side Elitzur Ramle having collected a big victory 24 hours earlier on their visit to Proteas Voulas.
It's go-time for GEAS in Estepona
GEAS Basket had to work hard to dig out what could be a priceless 76-65 victory at debutantes Impulso 360 CAB Estepona.
There was little between both teams except for a strong finish by the visitors, in what was an absorbing game that bodes well for the return leg in Italy next week.
Finishing with a 15-5 burst, the advantage is with GEAS and that was built around a combined 40 points from Nalani White and Julianna Okosun. There was also 13 points and 9 assists from Dutch playmaker, Laura Cornelius.
C'Chartes Metropole make late moves to take control
A late surge and big defensive effort in the last quarter was the foundation for French club C'Chartes Metropole Basket Feminin to ease past Levhartice Chomutov 80-66.
With the game still in the balance, they outscored their opponents 22-9 in the last period. They also leaned on a fine 18 points from Assitan Kone, as well as 16 points from Javyn Nicholson.
Road joy for BAXI Ferrol in Bulgaria
Margaret Doolan dropped 20 points for BAXI Ferrol as they collected a 76-61 success at Beroe Stara Zagora to put themselves in a great position to make the main phase of this year's competition.
Her sharp-shooting effort was underpinned by 4 of 5 from downtown from Sydney Shaw who posted the perfect cameo with 16 points.
After a slow start, Beroe got back on track and were in the game at the interval, but too many turnovers proved to be costly for the Bulgarian club. Deana Stoyanovska top-scored with 16 points in defeat.
Royals reign supreme over the Ravens
There was a standout triumph for Saarlouis Royals as they swept past debutantes Ravens de Geneve 109-75.
The German team had too much for the newcomers, led by national team star Emma Eichmeyer who was excellent with 21 points, 9 rebounds and 6 assists.
Her headline effort came alongside 14 points, 8 rebounds, 6 assists and 3 steals from Elina Koskimies, with Oliana Squires scoring a team-high 22 points. The Royals were on top from start to finish, although Caleigh Walsh did her best to rally the Swiss hosts by pouring in 28 points.
Five star Ramle put one foot in the Regular Season
On Wednesday night, five players posted double-digit scoring returns as Elitzur Ramle breezed to a 79-46 triumph at Proteas Voulas and moved to the cusp of a place in the main phase of this year's competition.
Putting on a show from the tip, once they got ahead, they never looked back. Shooting 60 percent from 2-point range, the Proteas defense had no answer.
Mehryn Kraker and Limar'i Thomas shared 28 points, Gili Eisner handed out 9 assists and Mikiah Herbert-Harrigan had an all-action 10 points, 8 boards, 3 assists and 3 steals.
First leg results
Thursday, September 24
Beroe Stara Zagora 61-76 BAXI Ferrol Ravens de Geneve 75-109 Saarlouis Royals C'Chartes Metropole Basket Feminin 80-66 Levhartice Chomutov Impulso 360 CAB Estepona 65-76 GEAS Basket
Wednesday, September 23
Proteas Voulas 46-79 Elitzur Ramle
FIBA