ATHENS (Greece) - The entertainment dial was turned to maximum for the opening game of the EuroCup Women Finals as CIMSA CBK Mersin claimed an 85-80 rollercoaster road win at Athinaikos Qualco.
They will take the modest five point advantage to their home court for the second leg on Thursday, April 9 and will be favorites to finish the job.
However, Athinaikos will be relieved to still be firmly in contention having trailed by as many as 17 points in the contest.
Turning point
Athinaikos were in huge trouble early in this game and could have seen their hopes evaporate completely, or at least by left hanging by a thread.
Trailing 33-16, the panic alarm was close to being pushed, but they kept their composure and the turning point came with 10 of the last 12 points of the half. That limited the damage and it both felt and proved to be a much tighter and more balanced game after the interval.
Game heroes
Kennedy Burke reminded everyone why she was the February-March MVP with another big show for Mersin. She finished with 25 points and 9 rebounds to lead the visitors.
Laura Juskaite and Lindsay Allen provided the cameos with 17 and 16 points respectively. For Athinaikos, Kristine Anigwe impressed in defeat with 18 points and 10 rebounds.
Stats don't lie
Mersin made it rain with 11 triples in the game and shot almost 50 percent. That made life tough for the home side. Athinaikos also didn't help themselves missing 8 of 24 free-throws, with Mersin going an efficient 10 of 11. But the biggest stat is that Mersin still haven't lost in the competition.
Bottom line
This might taste a little bitter-sweet for both teams who might have hoped for better.
Mersin will be happy to take a lead to their home floor, but will know they had their Greek rivals on the ropes when ahead by 17 and arguably didn't make the most of that situation.
Meanwhile, Athinaikos will be kicking themselves for their stone cold start, but will be buoyed by being able to still take the silverware - especially having taken some big wins on the road all season.
FIBA