MUNICH (Germany) - There were plenty of talking points on an eventful first night of EuroLeague Women action which included overtime drama, a major surprise, a slice of history and the reigning champions showing their teeth.
Meanwhile, there's still another Gameday 1 encounter to be played and it's a blockbuster showdown between Galatasaray Cagdas Faktoring and Beretta Famila Schio on Thursday, October 15.
Key Storylines
Holders Fenerbahce hit a high gear to show why they're still the team to beat;
A near triple-double from Zoe Wadoux gets Kibirkstis off to a flying start;
Mariona Ortiz leads Zaragoza over the line in an overtime classic;
A memorable first-ever Regular Season win is banked by debutantes Emlak Konut.
Weekly Highs
Efficiency: Stephanie Mavunga (Emlak Konut) - 37 Points: Stephanie Mavunga (Emlak Konut) - 29 Rebounds: Pallas Kunaiyi (Emlak Konut) - 13 Assists: Mariona Ortiz (Casademont Zaragoza) - 15 Steals: Multiple Players - 3 Blocks: Multiple Players - 2
Fenerbahce make opening day statement in Valencia
It might just take something special to ultimately wrestle the EuroLeague Women title away from Fenerbahce Tarfin after the reigning champions started off with an eye-catching success in Spain.
The Turkish juggernauts coasted past Valencia Basket Club 88-69 as they showcased their strength and depth.
Wasting little time in stamping their authority on the game, and following on from their recent SuperCup Women title success. they were out of sight after a 27-12 opening period. It was Leila Lacan who did the business for her new team, registering 19 points and 3 assists.
Kibirkstis ease past Athinaikos in style
Harnessing their form and momentum from the recent Qualifiers, there was no stopping Kibirkstis-TOKS as they tore past a star-laden Athinaikos Qualco 103-65 in Vilnius.
A stunning victory, the hosts were on top from start to finish and led by another sparkling show from Zoe Wadoux.
The French guard flirted strongly with a triple-double to accumulate 11 points, 9 rebounds and 9 assists, with Nausia Woolfolk also impressing as she harvested a game-high 20 points. The alarm bells will be ringing loudly for Athinaikos who had high hopes heading into the season and they will be hoping it's nothing more than a false start.
Zaragoza renew Landes rivalry with OT thriller
Casademont Zaragoza and Basket Landes never fail to deliver in one of the most compelling rivalries in the competition.
Their opening night clash continued the trend as Zaragoza won 76-75 with Mariona Ortiz the difference after she passed the rock 15 times - the the joint third most assists ever in a EuroLeague Women game.
Merrit Hempe was also hugely influential with 26 points, including having ice in her veins to send the contest to the extra period with two free-throws with just two seconds left.
Despite the loss, there was a big positive for Landes with the classy all-action debut of Trinity San Antonio and her 23 points, 5 rebounds, 3 assists and 2 steals.
Mavunga magic helps her team to maiden win
A stunning performance by Stephanie Mavunga was behind Emlak Konut striding their way to a historic first ever Regular Season triumph as they raced past Lotto AZS UMCS Lublin 85-61 in Istanbul.
While the Polish visitors kept themselves in contention during a keenly contested first-half, Emlak opened up the offensive taps after the break. Mavunga finished with a spectacular performance efficiency valuation of 37 after racking up a double-double of 29 points and 11 boards. Pallas Kunaiyi also had 13 points and 13 rebounds.
Results
Wednesday October 14
Kibirkstis-TOKS 103-65 Athinaikos Qualco KKZ Crvena Zvezda 89-56 Kangoeroes Basket Mechelen Emlak Konut 85-61 Lotto AZS UMCS Lublin Casademont Zaragoza 76-75 (OT) Basket Landes Flammes Carolo Basket 98-66 CS Rapid Bucuresti ZVVZ USK Praha 76-55 Tango Bourges Basket Valencia Basket Club 69-88 Fenerbahce Tarfin
Thursday October 15
Galatasaray vs Beretta Famila Schio
FIBA