MUNICH (Germany) - There was drama in the EuroCup Women Round of 16 as Movistar Estudiantes dug out a thrilling win in Pireaus to pip local favorites Olympiacos to a coveted place in the Quarter-Finals.
Elsewhere, Athinaikos Qualco, BLMA, CIMSA CBK Mersin and LOTTO AZS UMCS Lublin all stepped into the next stage of the competition.
On Wednesday night, a stunning crowd of almost 8,000 watched Panathinaikos A.C fall in a nail-biter with MB Zaglebie Sosnowiec but they still advanced comfortably on aggregate.
They are joined in the last eight by Perfumerias Avenida and holders Villeneuve d'Ascq LM who cruised to wins.
Key Storylines
Estudiantes ease past Olympiacos in edge of the seat matchup as Buhner does the business again;
Athinaikos sinks Sopron for a second time to underline why they're one of the title favorites;
Lublin and Mersin complete Round of 16 win doubles, while BLMA lose but still advance;
Deja vu as Prince shows out again for Panathinaikos in front of huge crowd;
Avenida too hot to handle for Ferrol as Cave continues to lead with distinction;
Reining champs Villeneuve sneak past Gernika but storm to QF on aggregate.
Weekly Highs
Efficiency: Sedona Prince (Panathinaikos A.C) - 45 Points: Sydney Taylor (MB Zaglebie Sosnowiec) - 38 Rebounds: Sedona Prince (Panathinaikos A.C) - 15 Assists: Feyonda Fitzgerald (Panathinaikos A.C), Alexis Peterson (Villeneuve d'Ascq LM) - 9 Steals: Alexis Peterson (Villeneuve d'Ascq LM) - 5 Blocks: Daugile Use (Kibirkstis-TOKS) - 3
Estudiantes spoil the party for Olympiacos; Athinaikos impress again
Estudiantes has a night to remember after a pulsating and nerve-shredding 72-68 win in Greece against Olympiacos. Their opponents had edged the first game by just one point and it looked like the hosts would push on and advance.
However, led by an excellent 24 points from Frieda Buhner, Estudiantes had other ideas, with a spectacular 30-12 third quarter changing the momentum of the tie. Her frontcourt partner Nneka Ezeigbo was also in top gear and finished with 13 points, 11 rebounds and 4 assists. Meanwhile Nausia Woolfolk fired 19 points for the heartborken Olympiacos.
Athinaikos showed their teeth for a second time against Sopron Basket as they won 71-61 in Hungary. Always on the front foot, it was double-doubles from Ana Tadic and Alexis Prince that proved to be difference-makers. Tadic claimed 15 points and 10 boards, with her teammate snapping up 12 points and 10 rebounds.
There was joy for Lublin as they followed up their first leg victory against Castors Braine by taking another as they eased past their rivals 68-59. Robbi Ryan posted a trademark all-action effort with 16 points, 5 assists and 4 rebounds to pace her team and take them into the next phase.
Mersin finished the job with ease at home to Kibirkstis-TOKS as they followed their huge road win last week by posting a comfortable 84-65 success. Kennedy Burke was the standout figure, stepping off court with 20 points and 9 boards to her name.
Finally, BLMA jumped to the last eight, but only after going down 59-57 at home to Kangoeroes Basket Mechelen. Fortunately for the French side, they had won the first leg by 14 points. Heleen Nauwelaers did the damage and made BLMA sweat with 16 points, 7 assists and 5 boards, as did Javyn Nicholson who contributed 15 points and 13 rebounds.
Prince puts on another show; win doubles for Avenida and Villeneuve
They may have went down 94-93 to Sosnowiec, but it was still a memorable night for Panathinaikos as an outstanding 7,829 fans watched their team engaged in a thrilling contest and ultimately cruising into the Quarter-Finals 169-143 on aggregate.
Sedona Prince posted another truly monumental display, with her performance efficiency valuation coming from an eye-bulging 30 points and 15 rebounds. The loss was tough on Sosnowiec star Sydney Taylor who signed off her participation with a sensational 38 points for her team - the second highest tally by a player this season.
Avenida already held a huge advantage from their first meeting with fellow Spanish club Ferrol and went on the road to repeat the feat and ink a 79-57 victory. Khadijiah Cave was on form as usual, posting another 18 points and 6 rebounds to keep Avenida rolling strong.
Villenenuve also held a significant first leg lead heading into their contest at home to Gernika. While it was a much tighter affair for the holders who won 83-81, they went through convincingly 168-143 on aggregate. Sokhna Fall added 16 points, while Alexis Peterson dished out 9 dimes. Emily Bessoir replied with 24 points in defeat.
Results
Thursday, January 22
Sopron Basket 61-71 Athinaikos Qualco 133-152 on aggregate) Olympiacos S.F.P 68-72 Movistar Estudiantes (154-157 on aggregate) CIMSA CBK Mersin 84-65 Kibirkstis-TOKS (171-132 on aggregate) LOTTO AZS UMCS Lublin 68-59 Castors Braine (145-126 on aggregate) BLMA 57-59 Kangoeroes Basket Mechelen (137-125 on aggregate)
Wednesday, January 21
Panathinaikos A.C 93-94 MB Zaglebie Sosnowiec (169-143 on aggregate) BAXI Ferrol 57-79 Perfumerias Avenida (115-165 on aggregate) Villeneuve d'Ascq LM 83-81 Lointek Gernika Bizkaia (168-143 on aggregate)
FIBA