Panathinaikos win OT epic, Spanish success on the road

MUNICH (Germany) - There was drama on Thursday night as Panathinaikos A.C took an exciting overtime win, with Spanish duo Cadi La Seu and Movistar Estudiantes also taking tight successes on the road.

Elsewhere, three-time finalists Reyer Venezia opened with a powerful win, Castors Braine crept to an important win, while Lattes-Montpellier impressed along with fellow French hopefuls Roche Vendee Basket.

Panathinaikos pip Kangoeroes Mechelen in memorable matchup

It was an absolute classic contest and fantastic advert for the women's game as Panathinaikos A.C. completed a 91-87 triumph at last year's EuroLeague Women participants, Kangoeroes Mechelen. There was virtually nothing to separate both teams in the numbers for the game - other than the final scoreline itself.

The Greek visitors got in done during the extra period and were energized by a stellar 31 points and 10 boards from Jazmine Jones, with Anna Stamolamprou going to work in the backcourt with 18 points. It was a shattering loss for Mechelen who had put so much work into getting a victory, led by 24 points and 20 points from Catherine Reese and Paula Strautmane respectively. 

Movistar Estudiantes enjoy their Italian job

There was joy for Movistar Estudiantes as they moved past BDS Dinamo Sassari 72-65 despite a slow start to their game on Italian soil. They did a great job in punishing Sassari for turnovers and that was a determining factor in the outcome. 

The same could also be said for the efforts of Marena Whittle, since it was her 18 points, 5 rebounds and 3 steals that took the spotlight. Mya Hollingshed fired 22 points and 8 boards in defeat.

Last quarter lockdown lifts Cadi La Seu to the win

They made the Quarter-Finals of the competition last season and this time around, Cadi La Seu have delivered a winning start after edging their way past Zabiny Brno 82-76. With the game hanging in the balanced and tied up heading into the last 10 minutes, the visitors turned the defensive screw and restricted Brno to just 6 points in the period.

Cadi la Seu were paced by 20 points from Margaret Bair, with 11 points and 11 rebounds from Veronika Remenarova also hugely important. Meanwhile Elissa Cunane was unfortunate to be on the losing team with 12 points and 13 boards.

Castors Braine cut down Keltern

Belgian side Castors Braine had to work hard to take a road success at Rutronik Stars Keltern as they rode their way to a hard-fought 80-74 Group I victory. The home side were inspired by an outstanding show of 29 points from Alexandre Wilke, but her headline contribution was in isolation in stark contrast to the visiting team.

They showed they could be dark horses and possibly post a deep run this season after four players made double-figures, including Victaria Saxton who corralled a double-double of 17 points and 3 rebounds. The sharp-shooting of Castors Braine made a difference too, with four triples sunk by Ine Joris who finished with a team high 18 points. 

Highs

Efficiency: 40 – Dana Evans (Besiktas)
Points: 37 – Kelsey Bone (Antalya BSB Toroslar BC)
Rebounds: 16 – Myisha Hines-Allen (Galatasaray Cagdas Factoring)
Assists: 13 – Marjorie Carpreaux (BCF Elfic Fribourg)
Steals: 6 – Marine Dursus (Union Feminine Angers)
Blocks: 4 – Kyara Linskens (Lattes-Montpellier)

Thursday, October 12

Group A: Zabiny Brno 76-82 Cadi La Seu 
Group C: Kibirkstis 50-96 Union Feminine Angers 
Group D: Lattes-Montpellier 86-62 MB Zaglebie Sosnowiec 
Group E: Kangoeroes Mechelen 87-91 Panathinaikos AC 
Group G: SL Benfica 52-60 Basket Namur Capitale 
Group H: BBC Grengewald 59-76 KP TANY Brno
Group I: Rutronik Stars Keltern 74-80 Castors Braine 
Group J: Umana Reyer Venezia 91-38 ZKK Ragusa Dubrovnik; Bursa Uludag Basketbol 78-75 NKA Universitas Pecs
Group K: BDS Dinamo Sassari 65-72 Movistar Estudiantes 
Group L: BC Elfic Fribourg 82-71 Emlak Konut SK; Roche Vendee Basket 84-77 VBW Arka Gdynia 

Wednesday, October 11

Group A: Flammes Carolo Basket 108-42 Eleftheria Moschatou
Group B: Piestanske Cajky 64-77 InvestInTheWestEnea; Spar Girona 97-71 T71 Diddeleng
Group C: Galatasaray Cagdas Factoring 83-77 CSM Constanta
Group E: Besiktas 97-69 Slavia Banska Bystrica
Group F: Melikgazi Kayseri 69-85 Olympiacos SFP, TTT Riga 81-56 MBK Ruzomberok
Group K: TARR KSC Szekszard 76-65 Levhartice Chomutov
Group H: Tango Bourges Basket 124-92 Antalya Toroslar BC
Group I: GDESSA Barreiro 55-91 London Lions 

FIBA