MERSIN (Türkiye ) - More than 7,000 fans celebrated CIMSA CBK Mersin landing EuroCup Women silverware as their team fell to a 77-75 second leg Finals defeat against Athinaikos Qualco, but recorded a nail-biting aggregate success by just three points.
The cushion of a five-point victory on the road in Greece proved to be vital as they inflicted heartbreak on their rivals in a dramatic conclusion.
Turning point
Athiniakos found themselves in deep foul trouble during the last quarter. Influential Great Britain duo Holly Winterburn and Kristine Anigwe each having to play on 4 fouls for a long period - with the latter eventually fouling out having played well. That felt like a big factor with the game so tight.
Game heroes
Kennedy Burke put the team on her back when they needed it most across the tie and produced another big display.
While on the losing team on the night, she still contributed 17 points and claimed Finals MVP honors.
However it was a super 20 points and 9 assists from Lindsay Allen that got them over the line. Meanwhile, coming up short in the race for silverware was particularly tough on Alexis Prince who led Athinaikos with 18 points.
Stats don't lie
These teams were so well matched across the 80 minutes of the Finals. There was barely anything to separate them as the aggregate score highlights. But Athinaikos did throw the ball away eight times in the contest and those unforced turnovers without any major defensive pressure felt costly.
Bottom line
What a turnaround this season has been for Mersin. From the lows of a First Round exit in EuroLeague Women to a change of coach and a new competition.
It was a landmark night and nobody will care or barely remember they lost this second leg. It was only ever about making history. They had a real MVP difference-maker in Kennedy Burke and that was vital in their success.
It was heartbreaking for Athinaikos who set the big goal of lifting the title at the start of the season and came so close to achieving that aim. The fact they were the only team to beat the eventual champions, and to do it in Mersin on the biggest stage showed their heart and quality.
They were worthy runnersup and few could have complained had they been the ones to edge out Mersin and take this year's crown.
FIBA