A blessing for ESBVA-LM, or did the Ozturk buzzer-beater give momentum to Hatay?
MUNICH (EuroCup Women) - One of the most interesting first leg games in the Quarter-Finals was ESBVA-LM taking a narrow win against Hatay, which leaves the return game in Antakya beautifully poised.
MUNICH (EuroCup Women) - One of the most interesting first leg games in the Quarter-Finals came in Villeneuve, as ESBVA-LM took a narrow win against Hatay that leaves the return game in Antakya beautifully poised.
Most observers likely deem Hatay to be the clear favorites, even if they fell 74-72. It might have even been a two-possession game to retrieve, had it not been for a timely intervention right on the final buzzer from Bahar Ozturk.
.@BarbT22 with the momentum-shifter in #EuroCupWomen QF tie at Villeneuve as she lands a triple for @HatayWBasket on the final ⏲️ pic.twitter.com/48TkjQg8pq
— Paul Nilsen (@basketmedia365) March 1, 2018
She struck what could yet prove to be a pivotal three-point shot, perhaps shifting the momentum towards the ambitious Turkish side.
However, ESBVA-LM head coach Fred Dusart is looking on the bright side and feels that the late twist will only serve to focus his team more intensely next week.
He stated: "We could have lost that game, but my team never let it go. We only have a 2-point lead but it may be a blessing in disguise.
"Hatay players will have to face pressure. We've also got a lot of things to improve and we will have to cope with a hot atmosphere in Turkey."
FIBA