MUNICH (Germany) - The second legs of the EuroCup Women Semi-Finals saw CIMSA CBK Mersin put on a show and write a new chapter, while Athinaikos Qualco were left breathing a sigh of relief after they eliminated the holders.
Holding a slender two point advantage against BLMA from the first encounter, Mersin found a higher gear as they blew their opponents away in front of a jubilant home crowd.
Athiniakos were beaten by last year's champions Villeneuve d'Ascq LM, but were left thankful to have edged through thanks to their 13-point first leg success. That helped them to book a place in the Final - 16 years after they lifted the famous trophy.
Daily Highs
Efficiency: Alina Iagupova (CIMSA CBK Mersin) - 27 Points: Alexis Prince (Athinaikos Qualco) - 24 Rebounds: Egle Sventoraite (CIMSA CBK Mersin) - 10 Assists: Alexis Peterson (Villeneuve d'Ascq LM) - 8 Steals: Garance Rabot (BLMA) - 5 Blocks: Multiple Players - 2
Mersin flex muscles with major statement of intent
If Mersin can repeat their incredible second half display, they could be about to lift the famous silverware for the first time. Ahead by just a solitary point at the interval,they came out for the second half with all guns blazing to take a memorable 86-60 success against BLMA and advance 156-128 on aggregate.
Protecting their perfect record, it was a strong all-around team effort. When Luisa Geiselsoder went down early to injury, Egle Sventoraite picked up the baton with a double-double of 19 points and 10 rebounds. Kennedy Burke also harvested 19 points and Alina Iagupova posted an all-action 16 points, 6 rebounds, 5 assists and 3 steals.
Prince keeps Athinaikos title dreams alive
Athinaikos might be counting the cost of a missed opportunity had marquee star Alexis Prince not impressed in a 78-70 defeat at Villeneuve. Without her stellar contribution of 24 points and 9 rebounds, there's no doubt that the Greek side might not have got across the line 139-134 on aggregate to make their second Final.
There had been little between the teams for much of the contest, but with the locals finding their voice, Villeneuve eventually began to eat into the 13-point deficit to set up a tense and dramatic ending.
With a few minutes remaining, they were within a shot of wiping out the lead, led as usual by Alexis Peterson with finished with 15 points and 8 assists - as well as Ameryst Alston who added 18 points. But, Athinaikos kept their nerve to hold on and end the title defense of the home team.
FIBA