MUNICH (Germany) - The EuroCup Women Semi-Finals first leg matchups threw up two entertaining clashes as Athinaikos Qualco got firmly onto the front foot and CIMSA CBK Mersin squeezed out a narrow road win.
Athinaikos took a significant step towards making the title game as they completed a double-digit victory at home to holders Villeneuve d'Ascq LM, while Mersin moved past BLMA on the road in a nail-biting first meeting as Ekrem Memnun took the win after taking the coaching reins from George Dikaioulakos.
The second leg games will take place next week on Wednesday, March 4.
Daily Highs
Efficiency: Ana Tadic (Athinaikos Qualco) - 24 Points: Alexis Prince (Athinaikos Qualco), Kennedy Burke (CIMSA CBK Mersin) - 16 Rebounds: Emmanuelle Tahane (Villeneuve d'Ascq LM) - 10 Assists: Lindsay Allen (CIMSA CBK Mersin) - 8 Steals: Garance Rabot (BLMA) - 3 Blocks: Ana Tadic (Athinaikos Qualco) - 3
Tadic takes Athinaikos towards title game
French center Ana Tadic and some swarming team defense was the difference-maker for Athinaikos as they claimed a 69-56 victory at home to Villeneuve. They shut down the holders in impressive fashion and will take a very handy 13-point advantage into next week's second meeting.
Tadic showed her teeth with some excellent play and her 6 of 7 shooting effort returned 13 points to go with an excellent haul of 8 rebounds, 5 assists and 3 blocks. There was also a very important cameo from Alexis Prince who top-scored with 16 points.
The visitors were left counting the cost of a miserable 2 of 14 from downtown, with only Emmanuelle Tahane shining as she attained a double-double of 13 points and 10 boards.
Mersin still perfect silverware pursuit as Burke gives them the edge
There's still plenty of work to do for Mersin next week at home against BLMA, despite pulling out a 70-68 win on their travels to protect their still flawless record in the competition. There was never anything substantial between the teams, reflected by 10 lead changes and 11 ties in the contest.
Kennedy Burke was the baller who did most to hold off BLMA as she sunk the go-ahead triple with a minute remaining and she eventually amassed 16 points, 7 rebounds and 2 blocks. Sarah Cisse and Samantha Breen shared 24 points in defeat for BLMA who will still be confident of advancing after this highly competitive first contest.
FIBA